Those of you who know me, or read my posts regularly, probably already know that I like football. I’ve mentioned my appreciation for the sport in several posts like “More Than a Mist” and “Gentlemen, This is a Football.” As I’ve watched this season, at both the professional and college levels, something is happening that is really good.

What I’ve seen, and maybe you have too, is what appears to be a growing emphasis on players’ faith. Of course, there have always been the Kurt Warner, and Tim Tebow like players who have been open about their faith. But in recent years, it seems as though networks and media outlets have downplayed the faith of players. Almost avoiding, or cutting, segments of interviews that contain professions of faith. Sometimes even panning away from scenes of players praying on the field.

But something has happened. Perhaps the number of faithful players has increased or maybe the tolerance for their professions of faith in media coverage has increased. I don’t know, but it is difficult to avoid the obvious faith of so many players. This is a big deal. God is being glorified.

Perhaps this change is no more obvious than in the professed faith from players on both teams playing in the college National Championship game this past week: Ohio State and Notre Dame. Multiple players from Ohio State have professed faith in interviews. ⁽¹⁾ And, even in the wake of their loss, Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard, praised Jesus for the opportunity to play. What’s more, he praised his fellow teammates, and even the players on Ohio State. ⁽²⁾ This is not the sort of self-centered interview that we often expect. Instead, a humble servant’s heart is on full display.

There is more here than players confessing their faith. As great a thing as that is, and we should praise God for their witness, there is something more. Something for us. Something we should learn. What is it? Simply, faith has a platform. Each of these players has used their platform to display their faith. We, if we want to use Bible sort of language, should “go and do likewise.”

We all have a platform. We may not have national, or worldwide, exposure like some athletes do. Still, we have a platform in our own sphere. We can have an impact on those around us. In the world around us. In our work. In our family. In our neighborhood. In all these places we have a platform to put our faith on display.

Jesus taught that His followers should make a difference in the world, “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot,” He said (Mat 5:13). And, I’m convicted by the implication that, we should not only have a positive impact by being “salt,” but if we don’t, we aren’t really good for anything. Stew on that for a minute!

Jesus continues, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Mat 5:14-16).

We, when we believe and have accepted Jesus in our lives, have something special. All these football players who were interviewed could have remained silent. Why take the chance of being ridiculed? Why should they risk their careers? Because we are commanded to shine our light in the world. Should we then remain silent? Or should we follow their example and shine our light?

The answer is obvious, isn’t it? We, like them, should be actively shining our light out into the world in everything we say and do. And the things we say and do, should, be good things. Things that benefit the world around us and glorify God. A tall order of course. But we have the God of the universe to help us.

Demario Davis, a New Orleans Saints linebacker, is quoted as saying, “I’ll play as long as He tells me to keep going, because it’s Him that’s extending my platform because He knows what I’m gonna do with it. He knows every time I get in a seat like this, I’m gonna give glory to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.” ⁽³⁾ The Apostle Paul said something similar: “For to me, to live is Christ…” (Php 1:21).

Whatever happens, wherever we go, whatever we do, our lives are about bringing glory to God. Faith has a platform. The platform is you and me. Our lives are designed to be put on a stand and give light to everyone.

Dave Foucar has a passion for teaching God’s word. His first book, “What Do I Say When Asked About Jesus?” is a conversational approach to helping people answer questions about Jesus. The book provides a layman’s perspective on personal evangelism and the basics of the Christian faith. Dave has been married for thirty-six years to the love of his life, Debbie. They have three daughters, two sons-in-law, and two granddaughters. To read more of David’s writing visit his Newsletter.

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