In life, do you tend to play offense or defense?

How many football fans do we have here?  What an exciting time.  Do you enjoy watching your favorite team play offense or defense?  With offense, there is a high level of anticipation and uncertainty.  Are they going to run the ball up the middle or around the outside.   Are they going to throw a short pass or a hail Mary.  Will the coach call the plays you think he should call?  So many variables come into play.

From a spiritual perspective, do you tend to play offense or defense?  There were many who played offense in the Bible.  When Noah built the ark before it had even rained, he was playing offense.  When Moses lead the Israelites out of Egypt, he was playing offense. When the Israelites marched around Jericho, crossed the Jordan and covered their doors with blood at Passover, they were playing offense.  When David attacked Goliath, he was playing offense.   When we get to the New Testament, we discover the parable of the talents.  There, we find that Jesus highly encourages us to play offense.  What does playing offense or defense spiritually have to do with communion?

During communion, I confess I tend to pray about the things that I did over the last week that I shouldn’t have done.   Thinking about the things I shouldn’t have done and trying not to do them is playing Defense.  I am working on training my mind to focus more on things that I should do.  I am working on moving toward the offensive moves He may want me to make.  I believe playing offense allows us to use God’s gift of grace the most and naturally draws us closer to Him. 

Can you relate?  Do you tend to focus on the things you shouldn’t have done- a more defensive way of thinking, or do you tend to think about the opportunities God is laying before you- a more offensive way of thinking?  What amazing journey does He have in store for you next?  These offensive adventures may create a high level of uncertainty and may significantly complicate our lives.  Playing offense will certainly make us uncomfortable. 

Now, during communion, as we contemplate the power behind His resurrection, may we contemplate those spiritual opportunities we are facing.  May we consider how playing offense may spur us to know Him more and draw us closer to Him.  And, as Jonathan said on his way up a cliff preparing to attack the Philistines, “perhaps the Lord will act on our behalf.”