I love football. I was blessed to play the greatest game, not just in America but in the world, for 16 seasons, the last 4 being on the bench of my beloved Wisconsin Lutheran College Warriors. In my humble but also expert opinion, there is no better iteration of football than Division 1 collegiate football.
This past weekend, we had a slate full of rivalries, upsets, and fights over flags. It began with an upset as a huge underdog, Michigan, upset what might be the most annoying fanbase in America- the Ohio State Buckeyes. A flag was planted to celebrate, and a fight ensued, resulting in Columbus Officers macing some boys in maize. North Carolina State then planted their Wolfpack Flag in the middle of the Chapel Hill celebrating their defeat of Mack Brown’s average North Carolina team, resulting in a fight. This was repeated in Tucson as the Sun Devils planted their Trident in the middle of Arizona’s field, resulting in a fight.
Then, I saw my personal favorite flag-planting incident in person. The beloved, historic, upward-trending Florida Gators planted the beautiful Orange and Blue right in the middle of Doak-Campbell Stadium, on Ron Zook Field. This resulted in yet another fight, highlighted by the losing team’s coach, Mike Norvell, who had led his team to a miserable 2-10 season, deciding to grab the flag rather than stop his losing team from throwing fists and well, from acting like losers.
Don’t be surprised when the losers try to fight.
In every instance, the losers wanted to fight; why? Because they have nothing to lose. Because losers aren’t below taking cheap shots and blindside left hooks. Because losers are losers and losing sucks.
So why are you surprised when Satan attacks? Why are you surprised when Satan comes into our congregations and causes division? Why are we shocked when Satan attacks pastors and church workers and leads them into temptations of sexual infidelity, pornography, greed, gluttony and apathy? Why are we flabbergasted when Satan works to lead our loved ones into unbelief?
Satan is the biggest loser in history. He has been defeated. He has lost everything. He has no chance at redemption and no game next year to look forward to. No, all he has to look forward to is an eternity of suffering. He has nothing to lose, so he fights. He takes cheap shots. He blindsides you.
Each and every week, we get to plant the flag of Christ (not that stupid “Christian flag”; no, Jesus’ flag is definitely better than that) in the middle of Satan’s home field, this broken world. Each week, as we celebrate the victory of our Lord, we remind Satan of the Truth. He’s a Loser, with a capital L. All Satan will ever be is a loser. But you and me? We’re winners. We get to plant the flag each and every week, each and every day. Why? Because we have been given victory in Christ. We have been given eternal life and salvation.
When Satan attacks, don’t be surprised. Don’t be alarmed. Don’t be afraid. Losers take cheap shots. Losers have nothing to lose, so they swing. Keep planting the flag and continue celebrating the Truth that Jesus is victorious and that you belong to the right team. Keep celebrating the Truth that you are a winner and Satan is a loser. And losers really suck.