Here We Go!!!

It's 4:20AM here in northern Indiana on a Sunday morning. I couldn't sleep. It's an exciting day. First off, I get to go to church. No I don't HAVE to go to church, I GET to go to church. At church, I GET to worship the Lord. I GET to study the Bible. And I GET to enjoy fellowship with other believers. In a few hours, I GET to go to church. Here we go!!!

But please indulge me when I say that going to church is not the only reason I am too excited to sleep. And please forgive me because the second reason that I'm too excited to sleep is not really in line with the theme of this blog. My second reason is not about following Christ, although for some people it might be, depending on whether or not you believe God answers prayer. I'm sure some people have been praying for my second reason for being too excited to sleep. In fact, I would guess that some people may have been praying all season for this day.

What season, you ask? Why football season, of course. Today is SUPERBOWL SUNDAY!!!!!!! Now Superbowl Sunday is not the reason I am too excited to sleep. Recall from my profile that I recently moved to northern Indiana from the Pittsburgh area. You guessed it: I am a Steelers fan. A died-in-the-wool supporter of Big Ben and the crew. And what about Mike Tomlin? Hand it to the man. It is only his second season as head coach and look what he has done. Congrats, Mike! (Do you suppose Mike Tomlin is reading my blog?)

As much as I am a Steelers fan, I have a confession to make. I don't know one thing about football. Well, I take that back. I understand an incomplete pass. That's it. No first downs. Nothing about penalties. I just don't get it.

Even though I know very little about football, I root for the home team. I am a Steelers fan. Not a fanatic, just a fan. And despite what may look like a deviation from the theme, I think being a Steelers fan can be related to following Christ. It has to do with commitment, loyalty, and team spirit.

Disgraced and defrocked pastor Ted Haggard was on CBS's The Early Show the other day. I watched a clip later on the Internet. I am not here to discuss Haggard's sin and iniquities. But one thing he discussed on The Early Show made me cry. It was when Haggard shared that his wife lost her friends and supporters at their former church when his story came to light. Haggard's wife was alone in her pain. She was a member of the team, and the church did not support her. Even if they didn't understand one thing about her situation, commitment and loyalty to team members matters if we are going to follow Christ. I'm sure it was difficult for the church. I'm sure it was overwhelming for them. I'm sure people didn't know what to say. And that's where the team spirit comes in. The team Holy Spirit, who helps us be more like Jesus (John 14:26).

Jesus is honored when we support church team members in crisis. Support is the fodder for reconciliation and restoration. A few years ago, Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers' Quarterback, was dangerously driving a motorcycle without a helmet. He was seriously injured in an accident. The team rallied around him to nurture him back to health. But the team also held Big Ben accountable for his actions. Later, Ben apologized to his team members, to his coaches, and to the people of Pittsburgh. He also thanked the team for their support during his crisis. He was reconciled and restored, and today will lead the Steelers in this Superbowl game.

If the Steelers can do it, why can't the church?

The Steelers have a little jingle, perhaps you've heard it: "Here we go! Steelers. Here we go! Pittsburgh's going to the Superbowl. Here we go!"

That's the way it is in the family of God. When we joined team Jesus, we embarked on a journey together. There are times when we are winning the game, and times when we are trailing. But we are all in this together. To Mrs. Haggard and other strugglers on the journey, "Here we go!"

Enjoy the game!