My college football coach had a philosophy that went something like this: "Men, we have four plays to get ten yards, if we can get three and a half yards on three plays we will get a first down. If we continue to get one first down after another we will eventually score a touchdown. Touchdowns will win games." We understood that philosophy but when the opposing team's defense stiffened, or when we would get greedy and go for the long pass, we would find ourselves occasionally turning the ball over to the other team. But I liked the thrill of throwing that long pass. The excitement of that ball sailing down the field to the cheers of the fans and the outstretched hands of the intended receiver running into the end zone was so great.
Many approach life in the same way. The quickest most exciting way to succeed is the philosophy of the world. Couples wan a solid marriage and want to raise great kids. Men and women want to develop successful and lucrative careers. But to accomplish those goals, they want to throw the deep pass every play hoping to score quickly. The first and ten approach seems to take too long and is not exciting enough.
God coaches for the first and ten. When the Israelites were asking for food in the desert, God gave them good food to eat but told them to get just enough for that day. Proverbs 30:8 reminds us not to desire poverty or riches but give me only my daily bread. The Lord's Prayer instructs us to say, "Give us this day our daily bread." The Heavenly Father wrote in Deuteronomy 6 that we are to teach a child when we sit at home, when we're on the road, when we go to bed, and when we get up. God sees the playing field and says, "Go for the first down." Unfortunately, many see the end zone way down the field and want to score now. That philosophy can lead to disappointment, heartache, and loss.
We are presently in our "Home Team" message series. My purpose is to get us on that first down mentality by doing marriage, raising kids, and living life God's way. A solid marriage doesn't happen immediately and great kids are raised one day at a time. Oh, by the way, my college coach; he knew what he was doing. He coached one of the most exciting offenses and record setting quarterbacks in NCAA history. (No, not me!) He coached NFL Hall of Famer Dan Fouts at Oregon University. God's got a pretty good record too, He's undefeated!
Praying for You,
Tim