Daily Devotions
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12
Eddie Williams has played professional football for the Redskins, the Bears and the Seahawks.
It is highly unlikely he will be remembered as one of the “greats” of the NFL. On the other hand, he ought to be respected for a recent article he wrote for The Christian Post — an article in which he shares three reasons it’s hard to be a Christian in the National Football League.
Boiling down his presentation, Mr. Williams said the first problem is money. For a young man to go from being a poor college student to earning a rookie’s salary, which averages $370,000, can be overwhelming.
The second problem an NFL player has is stuff. Now that he has enough money to buy just about anything he wants, he might find himself on a never-ending search for the best stuff, the best anything and everything.
The third difficulty most NFL pros have to deal with is women. Apparently, there are a great many ladies who are razzled-dazzled by the money, the stuff, the fame. As a result, any player who is faithful to his wedding vows, to His Lord, and his Christian self will find himself in the minority.
According to Mr. Williams, even those players who are faithful in worship may not be faithful to their spouses, themselves or their Lord.
Now this devotion isn’t sharing Mr. Williams’ perspective on things because I believe most of our readers are now, or will be in the future, NFL players. That’s not where our talents lie or where God has given us gifts.
Even so, it occurs to me all of us, no matter who we are, or what we do, could probably put together a similar list of temptations. No, our list may not include the NFL-er’s money, stuff or ladies. Our list might have greed, pride and apathy or selfishness, gossip and lying or ….
Well, you get the idea.
This is why I would encourage you to spend just a few moments and examine those places in your life where the devil and the world have tried to put stumbling blocks in the path of you and others like you.
Now don’t think the dirty-duo hasn’t tried. They have.
If they were willing to tempt Jesus, as He was going about the Father’s business of saving us, they will certainly work on you and me. Sadly, they often work effectively on you and me.
This is why we need a Savior. We need His blood-bought forgiveness for past sins, and the Holy Spirit to keep us from present and future transgressions. Remember it’s not just hard being a Christian in the NFL. It’s hard being a Christian doing what you do too.
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, I rejoice my Savior has done all that was necessary so I may be forgiven. Now I ask that You will send Your Holy Spirit to help me do all I can to show my faith and honor Him with my life. This I ask in His Name. Amen.