College and professional football began this past week. The pregame and postgame shows are out in their full glory telling us why we should be excited. Fandom is somewhat muted by crowd limits, banned tailgates and other restrictions. Nevertheless fervor for the game and favorite teams remains high.
Like other sports, football is making room for social justice issues. Before the Kansas State versus Arkansas State game on television, the K-State players gave an inspired, thoughtful and empassioned plea for equality. Other teams and schools have produced other quality presentations on this theme. All of them make us think and, hopefully, work toward worthy changes.
I applaud these efforts, but I am also skeptical of our ability to change ourselves. By nature we are all somewhat selfish and self-centered. These characteristics make it difficult to consider the worth of others, leading us to mistreat others.
Real change has to happen within each of us. For this to happen, God has to work in us to transform us into his character and help us to truly love others. God promises to do just that if we will only submit to his work in us. II Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.”
Reluctant Retiree 