Superbowl 57 week is upon us!  The hoopla is loved by many and despised by many.  Even more tend to ignore it altogether.  I’m a football fan, so I watch and listen to some of the celebratory run-up to the “Big Game.”  This year, however, I’m finding that there’s a sub-plot that is even more important than the teams or who wins or loses.  It’s got to do with faith – Christian faith to be specific.

Both of the starting quarterbacks for the contest are outspoken people of Christian faith.  Many of those on the two teams apparently are, as well.  At his post-game interview after the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Cincinnati Bengals for the American Football Conference (AFC) Championship, the first thing Patrick Mahomes did was to give glory to God, claiming God helped him, in spite of a high ankle sprain, to effectively lead his team to victory.  Jalen Hurts, quarterback of the National Football Conference (NFC) Champion Philadelphia Eagles, has repeatedly claimed in various interviews that his faith is what has kept him going in spite of set-backs and difficulties.  Both men have claimed that they want to “give glory to God” through their actions on and off the field.

It is easy to see that the Lord is the ultimate winner, regardless of the outcome of the contest.  In spite of all of the worldly activities that cling to something as showy as the Super Bowl, the Lord will receive due honor no matter who wins.  It warms my heart that in a culture where people who follow God and Jesus Christ are increasingly treated with hostility, the “heroes” stand before the bright lights to declare who really gave them the talents that others recognize and emulate.  It reminds me that Jesus will be glorified no matter how things turn out.  I think of every knee bowing and every tongue confessing and realize that such can be a present day thing, and not just something that will happen when Jesus returns (see Philippians 2:9-11).  This circumstance reminds me, too, of Paul’s focus on the gospel and whether Jesus Christ is glorified, no matter by what means or motive (see Philippians 1:18).

The other thing that occurred to me about winning is that there will be no losers for the football players who walk in faith on these teams.  Not only are they “more than conquerors” in Christ (ala Romans 8:37), but they are under the amazing promises found in Romans 8:28 and Hebrews 12:9-12.  There is no losing for Christians, even for those who are not victorious in the Superbowl.  For those amazing athletes in the game this Sunday, there are winners, and there are winners.

God’s promises to these sports-persons are easy to see and apply, but the same is true for each of us as we walk with our Lord.  There is no losing for any of us, ultimately.  Not only has the Lord promised that he will always produce good from our experiences, but it’s out of love for us and not any other motivation (other than his glory).  Jesus’ death on the cross was the ultimate demonstration of both.

So, this weekend, I’m going to watch a bunch of winners out there on the gridiron.  I have my preference for who might be declared the victors, but there will be no losers.  As I watch, I’m going to rejoice in the blessed victories Jesus has brought in my life, too.

And I will celebrate the “W” we’ve all been offered!