Standing Like Tom Brady
Having been the NY Jets chaplain for the past seven years, I’ve acquired a ‘mild disdain/hate’ for what I will refer to as the “evil empire” aka, the New England Patriots. I know I’m a pastor and not supposed to feel such things, but I do! Pray for me! I’ve made it no secret, that although you can attend my church and be a Patriots fan, you cannot be a member of my church. (I’m just kidding…mostly).
To make matters worse, the Patriots have an iconic quarterback: Thomas Edward Patrick Brady aka, “Tom Terrific.” Or you may know him as simply, Tom Brady. This man has single-handedly caused doubt to creep into my faith. As both a pastor and a Christian, it is my firm belief that the Holy Scriptures are without error. But when I look at Tom Brady’s life, I begin to question whether that’s true. Romans 2:11 says “God does not show favoritism”. I know God can’t lie, but when I look at Brady’s life it sure looks as if God has a favorite!
First of all, have you seen how good looking that dude is? It’s just not fair!
TOM BRADY 3-1
To make matters worse, he’s not only good looking but an amazing football player:
• 4 Super Bowl championships
• 3 Super Bowl MVP’s
• recently signed an NFL contract worth upwards of $57 million
No man should be allowed to be that good looking and that good! Not fair!
If that wasn’t enough, it gets worse. He’s also married to Brazilian supermodel, Gisele Bundchen, whom herself is worth over $360 million! How crazy is it that? Tom Brady is actually the trophy wife!? Again, not fair!
Having said all that, opposing football teams have learned how to make Tom Brady look ordinary on the football field. They have learned to make him uncomfortable, vulnerable. “The book” on Tom gets him off his “spot”. For those unfamiliar with football, “the spot” is a safe area 2-3 steps behind the center cushioned by a ‘pocket’ of linemen. These linemen protect him, thus giving time to deliver the ball to his wide receivers. If Brady is on his spot, he’s lethal. But if you get him off his spot, he’s vulnerable and ordinary.
The same holds true for the believer in Christ. The apostle Paul in the book of Ephesians describes “the spot” for the Christian. It is the place where we are secure, strong and impactful. The sweet spot for the Christian is “in Him”.
In chapter one alone the apostle Paul uses the words “in Him” or “in Christ” no fewer than 11 times! Here are a few:
Ephesians 1:3 “He has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ”
Ephesians 1:7 “in Him we have redemption and the forgiveness of sins”
Ephesians 1:11 “in Him we are chosen”
For the Christian, it’s critical we remain on our spot “in Him”. To not remain will make us vulnerable. Paul warns in Ephesians 6 of a “scheming devil” and “spiritual forces of evil” that we struggle against. His refrain over and over is “to stand”. Four times in four verses, Paul beats the drum “stand, stand and stand again”. Remain on your spot in Him! Don’t move off it!
The Lord helps us to stand. He equips us with armor – the “full armor” of God. We are to put it on daily.(Check out my podcast, Under Armor, if you missed it!) This armor, although critical, by itself is insufficient. I know that sounds heretical, but I’ve seen far too many believers standing in the full armor of God and getting the crap kicked out of them. Why? Because they were standing alone. The armor is great, but it was designed to be worn by an army- not just an individual!
Paul begins Ephesians addressing “the saints (plural) in Ephesus”, “the faithful (plural) in Christ Jesus”. You see, Christianity, like football, is the consummate team sport. Just like Brady needs his lineman, his receivers, and coaches – we desperately need one another. Belonging to a church and joining a small group is the anchor you need to remain “in Him”, on your spot and live a victorious, glorious life.
Pastor Adam is the Senior Pastor at Every Nation New Jersey, the NY Jets Chaplain, Senior Associate Pastor at Every Nation NYC and father and husband.
Shino Prater - Do something great today!
Have you ever been afraid to do something great for God? There is always that moment: there’s an obstacle in front of you and you question, “should I go left or right?”
We must understand that fear paralyzes and faith propels us forward.
2 Timothy 1:7 says that God did not give us a spirit of fear but of love and power and of a sound mind.
Today – I’m tasking you to put aside your fear, stand up tall with faith and to go out and do something great for God today!