A Real Team Player

I wouldn't call myself a football fan, but I do enjoy a good game. Being from southeastern Pennsylvania, I became interested in the showdown between the Eagles and Cowboys on Monday night. It was an ok game and I cheered for the underdog Eagles.

With just over two minutes left in the game, I witnessed one of the most unusual moments I have ever seen in football. Brian Westbrook, running back for the Eagles, broke out with a twenty-four yard run toward the end zone. One yard from the end-zone he dropped his knee to the ground and the Eagles took possession at the one yard line. The Eagle's quarterback took the snap and let the clock run out, assuring Philadelphia the win.

Fantasy football fans are still upset! Westbrook denied himself a touchdown on his personal stat report and denied fantasy football players the points they could have received in their crucial 15th week battle. He also assured his team the win. He prevented the Cowboys from getting possession of the ball by eating up the time rather than stopping the clock with a touchdown, kicking the extra point and then kicking the ball back to the Cowboys.

Apparently Westbrook wasn't thinking about his personal stats. He was thinking about how great it would be for the Eagles to beat the Cowboys. He could have a personal victory and risk a team loss or he could take a personal loss and assure a team victory. In this day of career athletes it was refreshing to see a true team player.

Sort of reminds me of Philippians 2:3-4. "Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others ."

As we begin 2008, I pray that the success of the team takes precedence over personal accomplishment in the church. Need more conviction read on down to verse 18.

Looking forward to 2008!