There Has Got to Be More than This

As I begin to think of new material for my blog the word thrive seems to be coming up a lot. Now, this may develop into a theme, but it may not, but it is something that has been on my heart recently. As I think through this theme I will try to incorporate many different mediums to think about this theme. But what better day than super bowl Sunday to be talking about some football? Thanks to my roommate, Coby Fisher, for bringing this clip to my attention.

By the world's standards New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has just about everything that anyone would want—fame, fortune, and popularity—but according to the above interview something is still missing. Brady is considered one of the best quarterbacks to play the game; he has a supermodel wife, children, money; almost anything you could ask for. He is (supposedly) on top of the world. Brady asks the question that I believe we all ask in one form or another, “Why do I have three super bowl rings and still think there is something greater out there for me.” Essentially, he asks the question, "There has to be something more than this!"

When I heard this interview I immediately thought back to another interview with another super bowl winner. His name is Rocky Seto. Seto, a personal trainer for the now super bowl champion Seattle Seahawks said these words in an interview with Mark Driscoll, the pastor of the Seattle based Mars Hill Church, “If we were to win the super bowl [we can’t wait to tell people] that Jesus is still better. As much as we worship this thing called a ring and a championship I just can’t wait to tell people that Jesus is better still.”

I firmly believe that what Brady is looking for is something that is much bigger than himself. He is looking for something that is greater than a victory on the field, greater than a win in the super bowl, a championship trophy, or a ring on your finger. He is looking for something that is generative, something that is edifying, something that is life-giving and that thing—that person—is Jesus. What a joy, what a gift we have to say that with everything we have in the world Jesus is greater still.

In a world where we sometimes view professional sports players as idols, as someone to look up to, as someone with the perfect life, I think we need to take a step back and realize that if we removed all the glitz and the glamour they are just like us, fallen people in need of the saving grace that comes only in the person of Jesus Christ. When we put things above that saving grace that is when they become idols for us and things that distract us from the true beauty found in Christ. Everyone has idols. What are yours?

This whole video reminded me of a verse in the book of 1 Peter. The author says, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” (1 Pet. 3:15b). For us, as Christians we get the privilege to share the hope we have in Christ with anyone who asks. We have the privilege to watch the Holy Spirit do its work and to share in the joys and the junk of our own lives. This grace was transformative for me. So, if you are a Christian walk in this grace, relish in it, because you never know who might need it most. I am praying that if you are reading this and you have not yet experienced this transformative grace that God puts people in your path that will introduce it to you. It is my hope for Tom Brady, and it is my hope for you. May we all become more in tune with the One thing that is far greater than any individual performance, achievement, or championship. Can we find the strength to say that Jesus is far better!