Two Committed Christian Quarterbacks in the Super Bowl

It’s that time of the year again. Time to hype up the players and coaches in the Super Bowl and to hear the nonstop chatter, pro and con of bigger-than-life football heroes.It was more fun for me when the Packers were there a couple of years ago.Now, just a day after the two teams that will be in it were decided, the internet buzz for Christians is all about the two quarterbacks. Supposedly, both are Christians.Bear in mind that I know neither personally, nor have I researched them. I have followed Peyton Manning over the years and have been impressed with the way he handles the press, the public, and his notoriety. He tells the story of his conversion in the 2002 book that he coauthored with his father, and it appears credible.Russell Wilson played for my favorite college team (I am from Wisconsin) and while Madison has the reputation for being a fairly unfriendly place to Christianity, the rumor was that their star quarterback was a very committed follower of Jesus. The little I have also read about his life seems to bear that out, with his off-the-field reputation and willingness to talk about his faith whenever the opportunity is given.At a time when open expression of one’s faith seems to be increasingly attacked, it is refreshing for believers with the prospect of being represented on such a major stage.But here’s the thing. I truly hope Manning and Wilson are both faithful to the opportunities they have in bringing glory to God, if indeed they are both genuine believers. But this world will not be won because celebrities make a profession of faith. Even if they are as sincere as Tebow, they are human and when they fall, given their profile, the media will have a field day with their faith.It’s not the Mannings, the Wilsons, or the Tebows (I still think he’ll be back) that will make the real impact with the Gospel. It’s the every day go-to-work on Mondays, white collar and blue collar regular guy and gal, who don’t just go to church on Sundays, but shine as lights in difficult and dark average work places, who will make the greatest impact.You living the Gospel in front of others on a daily basis is a lot more exciting to me than watching two Christians face off in the Super Bowl. I’m not a betting man but I want you to know this, my money is on you. You are the difference maker in this spiritual war.So suit up, take the field, and represent Jesus well!