College football is a year-round obsession.
When the scheduled season is over, post-season bowl games are gone and a champion has been named, it’s time to prognosticate who is going to win National Signing Day.
It stands to reason that whoever signs the most top-ranked players will win it all, right? Everyone else should just expect another disappointing year of mediocrity.
However, there are those who know the reality is this: You don’t really have a clue as to what to expect from these new recruits until they actually set foot on the field in a game day situation.
Signing Day, in that sense, is nothing more than a group of young, egotistical know-it-alls thinking they already possess skills and leadership ready to contribute for the rescue of the team that they have honored with their signing.
But wait. We do see some true freshman starting, playing from game one and making contributions in a big way — not for self-glorification but for the sake of the team and achieving something greater than themselves.
Could it be possible, in the same way, that Christ-like mature leadership has nothing to do with chronological age?
Someone once advised: “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12, NIV).
I’m discovering I’m never too old, or too mature, to learn from those who are much younger than me when we are all seeking excellence in the Christ-life.
BCM has signed some top-ranked freshman through the years. We watch, listen and learn from them. I thank God for their visionary leadership and for what they contribute to the team and for pushing us all towards excellence in Kingdom living.
Thanks, “rookies.” You are loved!
