Truth and Footballs

    One of the great facts of the universe that has always given me comfort is the fact that the truth never eludes God. He is never fooled and no amount of information – small or great – escapes His notice and knowledge. His omniscience is awesome and amazing to consider. God has no questions that He doesn’t already know the answer to. There are no secrets that can be kept from Him.

It is fascinating to hear all of the analysis, scrutiny, and investigative comments and conclusions in the sports world since there was a problem with under-inflated footballs after the AFC Championship game. It can make your head spin as you try to sort out fact from fiction and try to discern who and what to believe about what actually happened or did not happen. Everyone has an opinion and many are perfectly willing to express theirs. And somewhere in the middle of it all there is a real reality: that which truly happened and did not happen. Human beings may never get to the bottom of it, and if the truth does come out there will be doubters regardless of outcome. But everything – even in the football world - is clear to God.

    It is a blessing to us, and comforting that God has full and complete knowledge of not only all that happens, but He also knows the motives of the hearts of each and every one (the “whys” behind everything). It is comforting if we desire the truth and do not live in fear of it. If we are afraid of the truth, however, it will separate us from God and the truth will be no comfort to us. When the truth is “bad”, we are tempted to hide. But that is about as useful for us as it was for Adam and Eve when God called for them after their first sin. We also are often tempted to embrace what is not true because we think we will be safer. If we can just keep people from finding out, everything will be okay. The truth “hurts” so we avoid it.

We do well to remember, however, that God is aware of everything. Does He care about football teams and media frenzies? Well… yes and no. God cares about everything. There is nothing unimportant to Him. His interest is not as a fan, however. He is not a sports “booster” for any team. His knowledge, however, goes to the depths of the heart. God always goes to this level, whether in sports or our family relationships or our personal, inner lives… or our work ethics… or our worship. And in all of these places and more, nothing short of truth in the inner person pleases Him.

May our hearts find joy in the truth in the same way that God does.

Psalm 51:6 (NIV)  Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach        me wisdom in the inmost place.

John 8:31-32 (NIV) ³¹  To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. ³²  Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV)  But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."

Psalm 15:1-3 (NIV) ¹  LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? ²  He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart ³  and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman,

Philippians 4:8-9 (NIV) ⁸  Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. ⁹  Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me--put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

1 Corinthians 13:6 (NIV)  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

PRAYER:  Father, there is no fear in love. Because of your love, I do not need to run away from the truth. If it is bad truth, I can repent and find forgiveness from you. If it is good truth, I can rejoice and take delight in it. Either way, may you be glorified in me. In Christ’s name, AMEN.”

Jesus Christ is Lord!  

Scott