FOOTBALL, my experience of chatting to people is, like marmite, you either love it, or hate it. I am one of those who love it!
For fanatics it can rule your lives, and whilst I do give priority to God in my life, football certainly dominates conversation and viewing on a Saturday in our household.
On Sunday morning in church there is usually a football conversation over coffee, not forgetting of course one about Exeter Chiefs.
I meet people who say that they are not religious, if you are one of those and also a football fan, have you ever wondered how many professional footballers profess the Christian faith.
If you were to google that question I think you would be amazed at the number of both current and past players, including the likes of Klopp, Drogba, Messi, Saka, Hernandez, Eze, Rashford.
In fact recently amongst the England training Camp a God Squad, has been formed.
Christianity is spreading like wildfire through the English football league. Does that surprise you? It doesn’t me.
Christians believe that Jesus came to live among us to lead by example, showing us how to just, “be” loving, sharing and caring.
These players are using their God given skills to earn money and then in turn, share, care and love.
More than likely you are aware of Marcus Rashford’s quest to help and feed deprived children in England, there are many more examples like his.
Allison Becker, the Liverpool goalie will tell you that he is not religious, but a follower of Jesus.
Baptisms of new believers have taken place in his private swimming pool.
Christians believe that we are all made in the image of Christ, so if we try to model our behaviour on the ways of Jesus we will be on the right track.
You will see players praying on the field before a game, that is not some self seeking gesture, but they are giving God thanks and the glory for their talent, irrespective of whether the result goes their way or not on that particular day.
Of course, it doesn’t end with football, there are many other sports stars, actors, pop stars who openly talk about their faith in Jesus Christ.
Would you think about following Jesus if you were to discover your favourite famous person was a Christian? Why not do a bit of research into your heroes, maybe they are heroes of faith too, would it change your mind about faith?
Prayer can and does make a difference, try praying, you have nothing to lose. It begins with belief, then the rest will follow, but we need to encourage each other on this journey.
God will reveal Himself to you in ways you can never imagine. In the Bible, the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are known as the Gospels, they are accounts of Jesus’ time on earth.
If you are not familiar with the Bible, reading the book of Mark is a good starting point.
Whatever our circumstances in life, I believe and know from my own experiences that by trying to follow the example of Jesus we can cope with the messiness, upsets, difficulties, disappointments and hardships life throws our way, thus enabling us to enjoy all the good things with fresh eyes, including football!
Do get in touch if you want a chat. [email protected] .
Rev Sandra Collier
Assistant Curate
Crediton Benefice Community