Flying Long & Straight

The NFL Draft just happened, and, being a St. Louisan, I was thrilled that the Rams got to choose first!! On top of that, given that I lived in Oklahoma for 4 years (and became an OU Sooners fan), I was extra excited that they drafted Sam Bradford, OU's star quarterback. Evidently, Sam is an awesome, accurate football passer. But this month, I want to ask a few questions about that:

• Can any of you throw a football (pretty straight) about 30 yards?
• How about 40 yards?
• 50 yards?
• Longer?

What is it that enables you to throw a football long and straight...

• Is it the football's SHAPE?
• Is it the MATERIAL that the football is MADE OF?
• Is it your (the quarterback's) arm STRENGTH?
• Is it your TECHNIQUE (i.e. the SPIRAL) that you throw?
• What is it???

At this point, I want you to pretend that I toss you a FLAT football, and ask you the initial questions again... Can you still throw it long and straight even 15 yards?

You see, I've learned that what matters most in helping a football fly long and straight is also what matters most in helping us people fly long and straight in life.

It's what is on the INSIDE that matters the most.

In the case of footballs, they need to be inflated with enough air. For people, we can thankfully just turn to God, and He fills us with Himself, namely the "Holy Spirit."

Jesus reassures us with this promise:

"But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
John 14:26-27

Sounds like our long, straight flights are good to go!