Super Testimony

Super Bowl XLV is coming on the back of a blizzard in Dallas this Sunday. This football championship game has grown through the years to an unofficial American holiday. Friends and families travel and get together to watch the big game, share tail-gate foods, and cheer, cry, or yell with each pivotal play. Even non-football fans join in and make the Super Bowl the most watched televised event of the year. In the midst of all the pre-game hoopla, the half-time show, commercials, and the game on the field, I am grateful for some remarkable men who unashamedly let their love and devotion for Christ shine bright on the largest stage in America.

I think of Kurt Warner, quarterback for the Rams and Cardinals, while holding the Vince Lombardi Trophy in 1999 he gives a shout of praise and thanks to God for the nation to see, or during their loss to the Steelers in 2009, millions watched Kurt lead his team in huddle prayers before the game, during the game over an injured player, and even afterward with members from both teams. I also think of the quiet testimony of coach Tony Dungy, who led the Indianapolis Colts to a Super Bowl XLI, who has influenced thousands of young men to make a commitment to Christ, and to live lives of integrity. Last year’s Super Bowl winning QB, Drew Brees of the Saint’s has had the opportunity to share his testimony of receiving Christ in his life. All three have lived the ultimate guys dream to play or coach in the biggest sporting event of the year, and yet while the bright spotlights of America’s largest stage was directly focused on them, they have redirected that focus to God, Christ’s love and forgiveness in their life, and the strength they have found in following Him. Giving glory to God where they are at.

I think of a couple of questions for us: What is the stage that God has placed you on? When the spotlight is on how do we respond? Do we fully engage the opportunity God has placed before us to influence others for Christ? We may not have millions watching us hold up a trophy, pray on a field, read about our testimony, or speak at Christian conferences, but we have stage of influence while sitting in a classroom, working beside another, caring for family, and any interaction with neighbors and friends. Sometimes I think we become aware of the spotlight, straighten our shirt, clear our throat and do our best, however, I think most of the time we are not aware of the spotlight and miss opportunities of influence. If we were fully aware that throughout our day, the spotlight was on, and the stage we are standing on is exactly the one God has prepared for us, then we would fully be the living testimony of Christ’s love and power for all to see.

We all know of the Apostles who had an influence on the big stage: Peter, James, John and Paul, but another stood on his small stage and influenced his family, friends and the early church with just one statement of affirmation by the Apostle John.

Demetrius is well spoken of by everyone—and even by the truth itself. We also speak well of him, and you know that our testimony is true. – 3 John 12

Only a handful will stand on the podium, lift high the trophy, and proclaim thanks to God with most of America watching. For the rest of us, God has given us our stage to influence our world just the same. Do your friends, pastors and family affirm your living testimony like John declared of Demetrius? I hope so, for both you and me that they see us giving glory to God where we are at with a Super Testimony.