SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1271

“Line of Scrimmage”

…In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33

The line of scrimmage is an imaginary line where opposing forces line up to do battle in the game of American football. This game, and the line of scrimmage are an apt metaphor for our Christian walk of faith.

Training and Preparation – In Christianity as well as the game of football, we cannot ‘just wing it’ and ‘fake it till we make it’ as is the sluggard’s way in this world. The sluggard wants to win but does not want to put in the effort to do so.

The desire of the sluggard kills him, for his hands refuse to labor. – Proverbs 21:25

To win you must be more than a member of a team (Church). You must be a student of the ‘game’ and study the playbook (Bible). Study the enemy’s strategies so that you are not caught unawares.

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. – 1 Peter 5:8

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. – 2 Timothy 3:16-17

You cannot play this game of Christian life in a lackadaisical manner – in a T-shirt, shorts, and flip flops. This game is serious, and you must be disciplined and in full armor.

So, I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control… – 1 Corinthians 9:26-27

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. – Ephesians 6:10-11

Team Huddle – An isolated Christian is easy prey and will not make it past the line of scrimmage. Imagine stepping up to the line of scrimmage all alone, facing the entire opposing team by yourself. To be successful and gain ground beyond the line of scrimmage takes a team of likeminded Christian brothers and sisters who share the same moral values and goals.

Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. – Hebrews 10:25

Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? – 2 Corinthians 6:14

Holy Spirit Coach – The Holy Spirit coaches you from the sidelines and you can follow His lead or you can call an audible and attempt to achieve your goal, ‘your way’. This may work in the game of football but in our Christian walk it is always best to listen and obey the leading of the Lord.

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. – John 14:26

Stay Focused on the Goal – Sometimes we lose ground. We do not always advance repeatedly to another first down and ultimately score. There are setbacks along the way. We must not lose heart and remember that our hope and victory is through Jesus who will never leave us.

I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. – Philippians 4:12-14

…But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 3:13-14

Get Back Up – Sometimes you are sacked – don’t remain on the ground. Get up and step up to the line of scrimmage again. Getting sacked is not fun. It hurts. It is discouraging and kindles a paralyzing fear of being sacked again. These are the times when we must look to Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith (Hebrews 12:2) and hear Him say, ‘Get up’.

For the righteous falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in times of calamity. – Proverbs 24:16

But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and have no fear.” – Matthew 17:7

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. – Isaiah 41:10

Step up to the line of scrimmage – it is where the battle line is drawn, and the fourth quarter is ending. The clock is ticking down.

But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded.” – 2 Chronicles 15:7

The Victory is Won! – The line of scrimmage is where the church, the body of Christ advances in unity to the victory already won by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ; Now may the God of peace … equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. – 1 Corinthians 15:57; Hebrews 13:20-21

Happy Thanksgiving!