It’s hard to believe 2012 is already coming to a close. It feels like just yesterday we were ringing in the New Year. Now, in a flash, it’s almost gone.
In my family, the end of the year means it’s time to gather around the TV and watch football—both college and the pros (we don’t discriminate). And this issue of FCA Magazine falls right in line with that, from USC’s Matt Barkley on the cover to the many other college football players around our great country, and Chan Gailey and Mike DeVito both representing the Lord for their respective NFL teams in New York.
With those men in mind, I was recently reminded of a Bible verse I memorized years ago, Matthew 7:14 (ESV), “For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.”
It's sad, but true, that few find it. That’s a wake-up call if I’ve ever heard one!
To be found, you have to be lost. Admittedly, before I came to know Christ, I was lost just like so many coaches and athletes out there today. Thankfully, Christ has chosen me—and each one of us through this great ministry to take His saving message to those lost and hurting souls. We are leading them to and through the narrow gate to find everlasting life!
Matt and his fellow teammates in Christ featured in this issue have had the amazing and often once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be on the brightest national stage. But once that limelight dims, they soon come to the realization that fame is fleeting. Just like the year 2012 (and every year, really), which is here today and gone tomorrow, their fame is here for a short time and then fades away as someone else steps in.
But here’s the great news: Those who know Jesus Christ personally and have placed their faith in Him have the assurance that even though their fame may fade, their faith will allow them to live forever in eternity with the Lord. What a blessing to know that, through FCA, we have the ability to share the great news that God’s love lasts forever with the lost coaches and athletes who are chasing the fleeting flame of athletic fame.
Secondly, when I see Matt on the cover, I am reminded once again of FCA’s core values: Integrity, Serving, Teamwork and Excellence.
Matt was honest with himself—a quality so many of us desire—when he chose to forgo a certain first-round selection in the NFL Draft to serve and lead his Trojan teammates for one more season. And just like their battle cry states, I am confident they will “fight on” this season with excellence.
Ultimately, there is no team in which we belong that is more important than the body of believers—the men, women, boys and girls who claim and desire to honor Jesus Christ. As members of that team, do we boldly and courageously yell out, model and witness to the lost about Him?
We all need to get with it! Only God can see the future, and just like USC is counting on Matt Barkley to quarterback and lead the Trojans, God is counting on us. He desires for us to make a difference for Him in these challenging times. It's our mission to lead coaches and athletes to, and through, the narrow gate to everlasting life!
Model the Master,
Les Steckel, FCA President/CEO
Originally Published: November 2012