The day of 30 September, 2017, is a day I will always remember. It’s the day I watched my beloved Richmond Tigers cruise to a clean victory over the Adelaide Crows in the AFL Grand Final. It was a big moment. Richmond hadn’t won a premiership since 1980 and that was over a decade before I was even born. So watching them win, live on television, was a huge deal for me.
As we approach this year’s Grand Final, I’m once again hopeful Richmond will get over the line. In fact, I think all the die-hard supporters of the other top teams are actively following all the ins and outs of this finals season. There’s nothing quite like it. Whether it’s the AFL or any other code, there’s not much else that provides the same camaraderie as following your favourite sports team together. There’s not much else that brings people together like sitting at a game and cheering as loud as you can.
For me, getting overly invested in a sports team has always been part of being an Australian. But it’s led me to ask myself whether or not I support my faith the same way. Am I encouraging others to reap the benefits that come with having faith in Jesus Christ? Shouldn’t I be out there every day, displaying the passion I have for God’s team? Shouldn’t I be actively reading my Bible so I can further understand what I’m supporting? Shouldn’t I be attending gatherings at church on Sunday to become even more engaged?
After all, as a Christian, aren’t I part of a team? I’m not suggesting I should dump an esky of Gatorade over the pastor after a well-preached sermon, but am I supporting my faith?
As a Christian, I believe that, just like a game of football, when the time comes there will only be one winning team—God’s team, which has no limit on how many people can join. Paul writes to Timothy about the crown of righteousness that will be given to all who are on God’s team.
2 Timothy 4:7-8 says: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
One day I’ll finish my race. I’ll get to the end of my life and reminisce about the things I’ve done. I’ll be proud of the teams that I’ve supported for their achievements. And I hope I’ll be able to look back and know that I’ve fought the good fight, that I’ve kept that faith, and that I’ve always been an avid supporter of God’s team.
For a look into why Aussies are so obsessed with our favourite teams, check out this resource Why We Love Sport So Much, written by Mike Raiter.
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