The fall 2010 Football season began this evening with a battle between the reigning Super Bowl champions verses the oldest quarterback in the league. You will have to forgive me for what I am about to write because I am a psychology teacher at our college and I cannot resist a bit of Freudian philosophy regarding the value of football to the male community. One of Freud’s famous ego-defense mechanisms is identification. The success on the football field of a few provides a feeling of success for those who have chosen to be fans. If life hasn’t provided very many exhilarating moments we (usually guys) can get pretty excited when the ones we are rooting for perform with excellence. A long pass for a touchdown, a fifty-yard field goal can raise our blood pressure and fill us with almost as much joy as if we were the one who kicked the ball. We identify with winners and quickly become disinterested when our team doesn’t do well. Being a fan is of undisputed value for youth and old guys who never felt the joy of hearing applause directed their way.
Somewhere along life’s journey I discovered the unutterable joy of being a fan of Jesus. What happened on Sunday morning means we are identifying with the ultimate winner. Don’t you love Revelation’s promise that overcomers will sit with Him in His throne? What a joy to hear Him invite us up. What a wonder to participate in the divine nature. What a thrill to put this aging body aside and awaken every morning to renewed strength and a new opportunity to learn and grow more talented. I enjoy football but I thrill to identify with Jesus.
Written by Roger Bothwell on September 9, 2010
Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
Rogerbothwell.org