“Winning isn’t everything, but it’s the only thing. In our business there is no second place, either you’re first or you’re last.” In time, Coach Vince Lombardi became uncomfortable with the one message that had come to define him. He later wished he’d never said it. Instead, the infamous Coach wanted his lasting message to be one of “leaving it all on the field.”
Most people under the age of 40 believe the words above were coined by Reese Bobby. Ricky Bobby DID trademark the phrase, “If you ain’t first, you’re last”. But again, his father later regretted the words that had molded his son. Both men give us lessons to be learned about giving it your all and how to start and finish the game of life.
Inherent in the logic behind the philosophy of leaving it all on the field, is the moral of bringing everything you have and taking nothing away when you leave. God has given us all talents and resources to draw from in life. This gifting is one of the most basic of Christian principles and beliefs. He has gifted and equipped us to play and excel in the game of life.
In the vein of Coach Lombardi’s words, God is not interested in what you bring to the game, He’s interested in what you leave on the field. In Christianese, God isn’t interested in what you bring to the altar, He’s interested in what you leave at the altar. Too often we confuse our willingness to come to Christ with following Him. One is simply playing the game as opposed to giving your all.
How often do YOU truly leave it all on the field? Christ taught about the expectations and consequences of having opportunity and ability on the playing field of life. “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” Luke 12:48. Jesus was old school and believed in getting your uniform dirty.
John the Baptist was a role model for this lifestyle. In Biblical history, John the Baptist had a few quotes he is remembered for as well. “A man can only receive what he is given from heaven.” John 3:27. John believed in coming to the game ready to play and leaving it all on the field. When he spoke of Christ, John said “He must become greater, I must become less.” John gave it all for the team, for the Kingdom. John the Baptist would have started for Lombardi.
In the Christian life we should expect to be asked to give it all we have. Christ set the example. He shed tears of blood. If you are a follower of His, if you play on His team, be ready. You need to be prepared to go “all in” and “spend” yourself in new ways. As the game of life progresses for you, be ready for the Coach to ask for more out of you. This isn’t an NBA game where you can wait till the last 5 minutes to give it your all. God wants your best at 50 and 60 years of age as well as in your 20’s and 30’s.
Vince Lombardi was competitive and focused, not unlike many American Christians then and now. Without the leading of the Holy Spirit this mentality can lead to carnal Christianity focused more on self and less on Him. The desire to win and succeed can lead to a performance based faith bringing personal awards but not necessarily a Championship.
Jesus dealt with the prima donna attitude straight up. “The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.” John 12:25. Strong coaching. Jesus set the example for Lombardi. Remember, He must become greater, YOU must become less.
If leaving it all on the field means giving up your job, your free time and your self will, will you do it? Are you living each day looking for new opportunities to give everything, to give all you have? For many American Christians the tale of the rich, young ruler is the most scary and bothersome in the New Testament. For those who don’t remember the story, make sure you’re sitting down.
There was a bright, successful and influential believer in town. He was pious, talented, gifted and had all the accoutrements of his success. He WANTED to leave it all on the field for God until Jesus explained what that really meant. Christ told this fella he needed to sell all of his possessions and give the proceeds to the poor. Leaving it all on the field took on a new meaning for this guy. What does leaving it all on the field mean for you? What is Jesus calling you to leave on the field?
At some point you might find yourself spending more time advising others and being more of a player-coach than in the past. You may feel as though you spend more time dealing with other people’s problems. Do you embrace the opportunity and demands on you and your time? The changes you encounter at each stage in life are part of learning to leave it on the field. Remember, much will be demanded…much more will be asked.
At the end of his life Paul confirmed how he played and finished the game. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge will reward to me on that day.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8. It IS more about how you play the game and not whether you win or lose.
Maybe you win 5 Championships like Lombardi. Maybe you give an end of the game speech like Paul. Play with gusto for the Coach who drafted you. Leave it all on the field for the Kingdom.