Last week’s Rose Bowl thrashing of Alabama by Indiana was shocking to many of the sports pundits, depressing for Crimson Tide fans, but incredibly thrilling for long-time Hoosier supporters.
While I’ve been an IU fan for all of my adult life, my focus has been basketball, especially during IU’s glory years when we won 3 National Championships. Football? Not so much. Basically, because IU was awful and no fun to watch. Of course, it’s well documented that everything changed last year with the hiring of Curt Cignetti.
So, Friday, when Norma Jean and I ventured to Tampa for some shopping and a doctor’s appointment. I proudly put on my IU T-shirt and cap. At our first stop, a stranger pulled up beside us and excitedly wanted to talk about IU football. She left, congratulating me.
This was just the beginning. From the mall to the Doctor’s office to lunch at Chick-fil-A, I was receiving appreciative nods, thumbs-up, and congratulations. The days that followed have produced the same responses wherever I go in my IU gear.
Reflecting on the phenomenon, I commented to Norma how incredible the response has been. See, I never threw a touchdown pass or scored a touchdown. I never tackled or blocked an Alabama player. Coach Cig didn’t rely on me for any advice, strategy, or motivational speeches to the players. While the positive response is pleasant, it is borrowed. I didn’t earn it.
Furthermore, my identity is not based on IU’s Big Ten championship over Ohio State, a Rose Bowl victory, or an undefeated season. Who I am is not enhanced by being a fan. Furthermore, if they lose to the Oregon Ducks this week, it’s no reflection on my character and doesn’t diminish who I am.
Probably, too many of us sports fans take wins and losses personally. A victory enhances our mood, and a defeat can leave us feeling sad, sour, and depressed. Like me, do you say, “we won,” or “we lost,” although neither one of us stepped foot on the field?
But this problem isn’t limited just to sports fans. Many folks tie their identity to their occupation or profession, their title or position, their family’s name and reputation, or some accomplishment. Or even a failure. Success or the lack of it may serve to define our identity.
As Bible believers, we need to see our self-worth and identity as something much more important. Something deeper. Divine. And spiritual.
To begin with, we’re created in the image and likeness of God Almighty (Gen. 1:27). Our identity was bestowed upon us by the Creator as having worth, value, and dignity. Indeed, as the Psalmist proclaimed, “we are fearfully and wonderfully made” (Ps. 139:13-14). You and I were known and loved by the Creator before we were ever born, while in our mother’s womb. That makes us special and provides a unique identity.
Furthermore, in Christ we can be “partakers of the Divine Nature” (2 Pet. 1:4). In Him we are a “new creature” (2 Cor. 5:17). We are fellow citizens with God’s people in His Kingdom (Eph. 2:19). And because of His love, we are “called the children of God” (1 Jn. 3:1).
As one unknown author wrote, “Our Biblical identity flows from relationship, not résumé.”
Our credentials, status, educational achievements, accomplishments, and secular affiliations don’t define it. Paul, a man with incredible credentials, wrote, “I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” (Phil. 3:8)
Perhaps instead of worrying so much about who we are from a fleshy perspective, we ought to be more concerned about to whom we belong. Paul plainly says, “You are not your own; you were bought with a price” (1 Cor. 6:19-20).
While we can celebrate success, enjoy our favorite team’s victories, and appreciate the gifts God bestowed on us, let’s not get too attached. As my Mom often said in her later years, “We’re not put on this earth to live forever.”
My identity is anchored in Christ. In the unseen. In the eternal. In the hope that lies beyond the blue.
Sure, I hope my Hoosiers win two more games and finish 16-0 as undefeated national champions. But their wins and/or losses won’t change who I am. If they lose and my T-shirt becomes a target for teasing, it won’t change my personal self-worth or my sense of belonging.
What about you? Are you living on borrowed glory? Who are you when the scoreboard changes?
–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman
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