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REGGIE WHITE Minister of Defense
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| In 1987, I was selected for the Pro Bowl in Hawaii after my first complete season in the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles. Man, was I excited! Then came a bombshell. Two young people who were working on a roast in my honor were killed in a car accident. I told my wife Sara that I was going to play as hard as I could and win the Most Valuable Player Trophy for their family. By the fourth quarter of the game, I had sacked the Bronco's John Elway twice and the Dolphin's Dan Marino once, tying the Pro Bowl record. But I was determined to break that record for sacks. As Elway again broke out of the pocket, I took after him like a man possessed. He tried to shake me, but I ran him down, caught him from behind, and forced him to the ground. A few moments later the announcer said that I had just won Most Valuable Player. As I accepted congratulations from my teammates, I also prayed that God would be with the family of those friends who died in the car mishap. Why think about God at a time like that? And how in the world could I, a little guy from the projects in Chattanooga, Tennessee, make it to the Pro Bowl nine times* and also share the 1994 defensive lineman of the year award from the NFL Player's association? I'll answer the second question first. When I was in seventh grade I remember getting really excited about watching an NFL highlights file featuring O.J. Simpson. Right then I made two important decisions: first, I really wanted to play professional football; and second, I wanted to play defense and not get knocked around like running backs do! Dreams combined with hard work really can come true. But what about God? Let me tell you a story that explains the real Reggie White, the one under the pads and helmet. |
I was playing in a controlled scrimmage against the Detroit Lions on hot, muggy summer day in Detroit. I had outmaneuvered a frustrated Detroit rookie for most of the day from my left defensive end position. Then our helmets accidentally locked together on a play.
This guy used foul language that I would not let my dogs hear. I can take losing a game, but I cannot tolerate being cussed out to my face.
I looked him right in the eye and announced, "Jesus is coming back soon, and I hope you're ready." But he just tossed more choice words into my face and returned to his huddle.
I was angry. Again I shouted to him across the field, "Jesus is coming back soon, and I hope you're ready."
My teamates were urging me back to our defensive huddle. But instead I eyeballed this rookie and shouted to my teamates, "Jesus is coming back soon, and I hope he's ready."
The next play, I lined up in front of this same rookie and said, "Jesus is coming back soon, and I don't think you're ready."
The ball snapped, and I announced, "Here comes Jesus!"
I thrust my entire 6'6", two hundred-and-eighty-five-pound body right into his chest and drove him back about five yards. He plopped to the turf just in time to see me sack his quarterback. My teammates and coach often asked me after that if Jesus was coming back on the next play!
I'm still not sure why I said what I did that steamy day in Detroit. Maybe it was just that I desire to live my life glorifying Jesus Christ.
JESUS AND ME
Talking about my relationship with Jesus Christ is as natural as breathing for me. I say relationship because it's a day-by-day, night-by-night, ongoing communication between Jesus and me.
I'm not saying that any person can use the name of Jesus and beat every opponent. If that were true, I could skip all my practices, and forget about my weight training and conditioning.
But I do want to live and breathe Jesus Christ so much that when people see me, they see Him. I still mess up and fall short of imitating Him in my life, but He always forgives and encourages me.
JESUS AND YOU
The wonderful thing about this relationship with Jesus is that you can have it too! How? Let me explain.
A coach usually prepares a game plan ahead of time. God also designed a plan for our lives before the world began. He created us to love Him, glorify Him, and enjoy Him forever. But why don't we?
We are sinful, and our sin seperates us from God. What is sin? Sin means missing the mark, falling short of God's standard. We are all sinners not only when we do wrong, but also in our human nature. And worst of all, the penalty of our sin is death. The Bible says,"All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23), and "the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23).
We face God's judgement because of our sin. But God loved us so much that He sent His Son Jesus Christ as the holy and perfect substitute to die in our place. Three days after Jesus died for us, He rose from the dead to defeat death. "Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures...He was buried...He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures" (1 Corinthians 15:3,4).
But knowing a lot about a sport and "talking the game" doesn't make you a member of the team. The same is true about becoming a Christian. It takes more than knowing about Jesus; it requires faith in Him. The Bible also says, "To all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God" (John 1:12).
Are you willing to admit your sinfulness to God and trust in Jesus Christ alone as the payment for your sin? If you are not sure how to express your heart to God, here is a suggested prayer.
Lord Jesus, I need You. I realize I'm a sinner and I can't save myself. I believe that You died on the cross for my sins and rose from the dead. I repent of my sins and put my faith in You alone as my Savior. Take control of my life and help me to follow You in obedience. In Jesus' name, Amen.
You know, someday Jesus will come back. I'm ready. Are you? You can be sure right now if you will trust in Christ alone as your Savior. Write to the address below if you have made that decision today, or if you need more help.
Reggie White with Terry Hill
Perhaps the greatest defensive end in NFL history, Reggie White compiled 192 1/2 sacks in 216 games with the Philadelphia Eagles and the Green Bay Packers before joining the Carolina Panthers for the 2000 season. Nicknamed "The Minister of Defense," White holds the record with 13 consecutive Pro Bowl selections and was named to the NFL's 75th anniversary team. He was also an ordained minister.
To know more about Reggie White, ask your local Christian bookstore for Reggie White: Minister of Defense, Thomas Nelson Publishers.
This tract was adapted from the book by permission.