Like millions of Americans this weekend, I spent Friday night watching the UGA/Georgia Tech football game. I am not a football fan, but during college, I spent a lot of time between both campuses, not for football games either.
I do have a lot of friends and family who are big fans of the football teams. So I decided to watch some of the game to see what all the hype was about. In my ignorant non-sport mind, I did notice a lot of spiritual principles at play during the come-from-behind victory.
- Faith against all odds
- Passion for what you do
- Discipline in the sport
- Leadership matters
I am not an expert on the game, but even I can recognize the importance of good leadership during the near gut-wrenching loss for the Georgia Bulldogs. The quarterback Carson Beck had a rough start and even suffered a minor injury late in the game, but his discipline helped him to lead the team to an 8OT victory that will be remembered for years to come.
The discipline of the coach paid off also. Coaches do more than just discipline and prepare the team for the game. The coach leads the team and calls for the plays, especially when the team finds itself in trouble. Good coaches are leaders who care for and empathize with the players (Proverbs 29:14, Jeremiah 23:4.)
Leaders
I grew up as an Army brat with a sergeant for a father. I understand the importance of having a good leader, even when we don’t appreciate their discipline. A leader is defined as, “A guiding or directing head; a person or thing that leads others.”
It is the discipline of leaders that helps keep a team together, alive, and victorious. That is why the military focuses on training good leaders; the military emphasizes efficiency and structure to keep the team running smoothly.
Leaders are imperative to a team, group, or organization if they want to be successful. Discipleship and leaders go hand-in-hand. However, contrary to popular Christianity, not all believers are called to be leaders.
Leaders are important among God’s people and they are appointed and placed by God Himself (Ephesians 4:11-12.) God arranges the church and believers however He chooses and sees best for His plans (Acts 20:28, Romans 12:4-8, 1 Corinthians 12: 18-28, Ephesians 2:20-22, Colossians 2:19.) The Apostle Paul remembered his Jewish education about the importance of leadership.
Nāḡîḏ
The ancient world was full of corrupt and power-hungry leaders who sought earthly greatness and power. God called His people out of the corruption to be different (Exodus 19: 5-6, Deuteronomy 14:2.)
God’s people are called to be dedicated to Him alone. God has ownership of His people (Psalm 100:3, Titus 2:14.) He cares for us and is more than our God, He is our ruler and leader. The Hebrew word in the Old Testament for leader is nāḡîḏ and it can also mean, “Captain, prince, noble, or excellent things,” depending on the context it is used in.
Unfortunately, Israel still wanted an earthly ruler and King to lead them (Deuteronomy 17:14-20.) They forgot God’s ways aren’t like the world’s (Isaiah 55:8-9.) Leadership in Judaism isn’t like earthly leadership, which focuses on earthly greatness and temporary power. Below are key aspects of leadership in Judaism.
- Humility
- Serving vs. ruling
- teaching and learning
- Sharing power
- Behavior over position
Servant leadership is a model Jesus utilized and taught His disciples. Jesus knew how to lead from the back instead of the front. Jesus humbled Himself and became like the people He led (Philippians 2:6-7.)
Jesus didn’t come to be served but to serve others (Matthew 20:28.) Jesus showed compassion and put His followers first (Matthew 9:36; 14:14.) Jesus knew power corrupts and blinds man because we are fallen and warned His followers not to abuse their power and positions (Mark 10:42-45.)
Syria
As I write this rebels have launched a surprise attack against the Syrian government over its corruption and abuse of power in Syria. When governments overstep their position or abuse their power, the people become oppressed. That is why it’s important for governments not to have too much power.
And it is also why the United States government has checks and balances to make sure it is serving the people and not its own interests. When the government serves its own interests it no longer serves the good of the people.
- Greed
- Corruption
- Deception
just like in sports, every player works towards the good of the team and not just the individual. The government should only work for the people, not against them. Nations like football players need strong leadership to help them win for the better of the team.
God’s people are to follow the ways of God and His kingdom, not the ways of this world. That is why it is important to keep God as our focus and our Nāḡîḏ!
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