I’m sure we’d all agree that life is not a game if you’re talking about entertainment. But it’s not far-fetched to compare life to an athletic contest. In fact, there are numerous references in the New Testament depicting the similarities between the Christian life and the world of sports: the fighter, the runner, the wrestler, and so on.

Allow me the liberty to make another comparison, though not found in scripture, which will serve to communicate some important spiritual truths for the graduating class of 2018: American football. Why football? I love football.

1) Rules Matter

Consider first that in football, as in life, there are rules. Sometimes you get caught breaking the rules and the flag is thrown, and sometimes you get away with it. Or so it seems. (The analogy breaks down when we remember that God sees and knows all.) But to you grads out there, let me encourage you to know the rules and keep them. The Bible is our rulebook for life, and you are responsible for knowing and observing it. Ignorance is never an acceptable excuse.

As in football, there are refs in the game of life. Parents, pastors, teachers, and those whose goal is to help you become the person God wants you to be. Nevertheless, remember that referees aren’t perfect. They make mistakes. And they didn’t make the rules, but it is their responsibility to enforce them to the best of their abilities.

2) Playing Through Pain

There is much talk today about reducing the risk of injury in football. Sometimes players are required to sit out a few plays and must pass a physical exam before reentering the game. Unfortunately, players sometimes sustain career ending injuries. The saddest of all are those times when a player’s life is changed forever by paralysis--which doesn’t happen often--but it does happen.

In life’s great Contest, there will be always be injury. And like in football, the dedicated athlete learns to play through pain when possible. His love for the game pushes him beyond the limits of normal endurance. I’ve learned from experience that people who endure pain in life are often those who make the greatest impact on the lives of others. Their “thorn in the flesh” became a gateway for the power of God to flow through their lives.

3) Having a Game Plan

In life, as on the gridiron, the game plan is very important. To have success, you need a strategy--and let us not forget that our enemy in life also has a strategy to stop us. Coaches prepare players with a game plan. In the game of life, the great Coaches are often the same individuals who serve as the referees: parents, pastors, and teachers.

The coach’s job is never easy. Like referees, coaches are human and susceptible to error, ensuring that every coach has his critics. (In the NFL, I’ve seen some of the best coaches make a “fourth and dumb” call that cost them the game.) But nobody in the stands, in the press box, or on the sidelines knows what your coaches know. The wise player will always allow himself to be coached. (Proverbs 1:7-9) He comes to trust the experience, knowledge, and judgment of those who lead the team.

The wise player will always allow himself to be coached.

4) Reward for the Winner

In football, there’s a prize for those who win, although the awards are perishable. In the realm of the spiritual, they are imperishable. Those who win receive a crown that does not fade away. (1 Corinthians 9:25)

In football, many players go virtually unnoticed for their vital contribution to the game. They’re in the trenches, fighting to protect their quarterback or make a hole in the line for a running back to break through, or struggle to regain possession of the ball. About the only time they do get recognized is when they are penalized for jumping offsides, making an illegal block, or called for a hold.

But in the game of life, the unsung heroes are not forgotten. Our great Commissioner is not “unfaithful to forget your work and labor of love.” (Hebrews 6:10) He knows the efforts of those who seem to be forgotten.

So as we consider the world of athletic competition, let’s remember that we also are participants in the game of life. Let’s do our best, keep the rules, maintain team spirit, fight hard, and never give up. S0 that on that great day when we stand before the Captain of our faith we’ll hear Him say, “Well done.”

Congratulations, Class of 2018!