Last night's bowl game between Florida and Ohio State determined the "mythical" national championship of college football. Ohio State entered the game as the runaway favorite. Most commentators thought Florida's only chance to win rested with their defense. If the game could be kept low-scoring, Florida might steal a victory.
As it turned out, both Florida's defense and offense arrived ready to play. Florida dominated Ohio State, holding the Buckeyes to less than one hundred yards in total offense and scoring at will throughout the evening. I've seldom seen an underdog so throughly dominate a favored team. Leaving aside my natural prejudice in favor the Southeastern Conference, Florida turned in a remarkable performance.
Being a pastor, I can not help but reflect a bit and draw some lessons from the game for the church.
Prepare to do your best even when almost no one thinks you have a chance to succeed. Churches often wither away in the face of other's low expectations. Like the Florida players and coaches, we might do well to decide to do our best regardless of the predictions of others. Doing "our best" amounts to being faithful in worship, prayer, study and service to one another and others. When we focus on doing our best, we often exceed expectations, and we always please the Lord.
Focus on and use your strengths as opposed to fixating on your weaknesses. The Florida team did not have some of the strengths of their opponent: super-sized players, an award-winning quarterback, the momentum of an undefeated season to date. On the other hand, Florida had its own strengths: creative offensive coaching, impressive team speed, and sound fundamentals (they knew how to tackle and block). Florida's coaches and players focused on refining and implenting their strengths. Win or lose, they intended to go with their strengths. Churches too often try to mimic one another's stong points. We probably would do better to identify and maximize our own strengths.
Do the big and little things as well as you are able. Florida made some big offensive and defensive plays, the kind that make the highlights features of sports shows. The team also paid attention to the "little things." The linemen knew their assignments and executed each play well. The maligned secondary, for the most part, exercised discipline, played their assigned areas, and shut down Ohio State's passing game. Churches minister best when they pay attention to big and little things. For example, it matters that we faithfully present the gospel yet provide the kind of arrangments parents expect for their children.
Go all out each minute of the game. Pardon the cliche, but Florida came to play. Insofar as I could tell, each player threw himself into the game at all times. Even players on the sideline remained focused. It's amazing what may be accomplished by teammates who stay focused for the full sixty minutes of the game. All the churches I know would be energized if church members decided to stay focused, to go all out in the worship and service of God.
Perhaps churches, regardless of their circumstances and perceived opportunities, have something to learn from a successful football team. The matter deserves serious reflection.