God's Coaching #5

God's Coaching #5

Can one player win a football game by himself? Probably not. But it certainly felt that way after Texas defeated the University of Southern California (USC) 41–38 in the 2006 BCS National Championship game. Texas quarterback Vince Young ran for 200 yards, passed for 267, and seemed to make every big play when the Longhorns needed it—including the biggest play of the game with 19 seconds on the clock.

Texas trailed the Trojans 38–33, and time was running out. It appeared as if USC would win its 35th game in a row and its third straight national championship when Texas was stuck on the nine-yard line and faced a fourth-and-five play. Vince took the ball and quickly looked for an open receiver. Almost immediately he got pressured from a USC defender on his left. Quickly tucking the ball, Vince sprinted to his right. His long strides took him past a diving defender and into the end zone for a 39–38 lead. Vince added a two-point conversion on the next play to make the final score 41–38.

What’s the Score?

Vince’s heroics capped a stunning Texas comeback. Texas trailed 38–26 with 6:42 left in the fourth quarter. First, Vince ran in a touchdown from 17 yards away with four minutes left. Then he scored the winning touchdown—his third of the game. Justifiably, Vince was voted Most Valuable Player and given a crystal trophy. To many fans, it appeared as if Vince had won the game by himself.

But Vince knew better. He saw how the Texas defense had stopped the talented USC offense twice late in the game. He noticed how hard his offensive linemen and receivers had blocked for him. They deserved credit too.

Everybody can’t be the quarterback. It’s that way in the Christian life as well. Different people have different roles in God’s body. Not everybody receives the same amount of attention and praise. But 1 Corinthians 12:22 tells us, “Some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary.” No matter what you do for God’s kingdom—even if you think it goes unnoticed—remember that you’re a vital part of the body.

On the Ball

The Bible says every part of the body is important. If you end up serving behind the scenes, do your best, because you’re a necessary part of God’s body.

Coach’s Comment

There are many parts, but only one body. The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.” In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary. 1 Corinthians 12:20-22