Bill Wade — Quarterback for
Christ
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17
When sports writers and others ask me for my greatest thrill, they no doubt have in mind some dramatic game or specific play that occurred during my collegiate years at Vanderbilt University, my seven years with the Los Angeles Rams, or my experience with the Chicago Bears. They are usually surprised at my reply.
First of all, my most thrilling moment in football is yet to come. In the game of life, however, my most thrilling moment to date would have to the decision I made after Navy officer Jim Wilson talked to me for about six hours back in 1953. Though I had been brought up in a Christian home, with wonderfully devout parents, Jim impressed upon me the necessity for a personal surrender to Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord. A new aim and purpose in my life resulted from my spiritual transaction at that time.
In the game of pro football, there are many injuries which could be avoided. The best way to escape these is to keep your body physically fit.
When we consider life, whether it be for ten years or a hundred, we are participating in a series of games. We will readily admit that the game of life is basically
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spiritual. As we play the game and learn our purpose, whether it be president of a bank, worker in a factory, secretary, or quarterback of a football team, we must exercise ourselves spiritually to win the daily battles.
I have found there are three basic exercises which strengthen me spiritually. The first is the exercise of prayer. The second is that of reading the Bible. The third is one that is vital to every Christian — that of asking in prayer each day that you might be allowed to talk to someone about the Christian way of life.
If you believe that God has created you, it becomes a supplemental belief that He has created you for a purpose. What purpose? This is answered when we submit ourselves to Him, that His will be done in our lives.
In talking to youth groups on the subject of "What It Takes To Play Football," I like this acrostic:
C — Confidence ". . . If God be for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31).
H — Humility. ". . . he that humbles himself shall be exalted" (Luke 14:11).
R — Respect. We must have a respect for laws, of doing what is right. A healthy respect for others is vital to a fruitful Christian life.
I — Intelligence. As a quarterback, one must learn and know a great many things. To be good, useful Christians, we should be as intelligent as possible.
S — Sincerity. You must be sincere before people will believe you.
T — Truth. "Unto thine own self be true." Don't lie to yourself. Don't try to fool yourself by fooling others.
We can belong to Christ by opening our hearts, allowing Him to cleanse us from our sin, and personally accepting Him as Saviour and Lord of our life.
Prayer Suggestion
Open up all the way to Jesus Christ. Let Him guide you into a wonderful new life.
Bill Wade was an outstanding football player at Vanderbilt University; broke all-time passing mark of Los Angeles Rams, 1959; WLAC—TV Sports Announcer; quarterback Chicago Bears. Advisory Council, Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
