As many of you are aware: Brett Favre is back… AGAIN. I suppose this shouldn’t be too big of a surprise – I mean, he’s done this before. I’m really not all that shocked that he’s back – it impacts me in no way personally – but it has taken over ESPN… they’ve treated it as if President Obama were to bail out the NHL unlike Canada.

At any rate, I was talking to my friend Ben, and he shared with me how often Christians act like Brett Favre. I have no idea Brett’s spiritual life – whether he has a relationship with Jesus or not – I have read that he’s a Catholic… but I’ll assume nothing – besides, this is not a post about Brett Favre’s faith. My friend inspired me to write a few brief thoughts on this whole deal of Brett’s comings and goings and how many followers of Jesus act just like him spiritually. So, here is how not to be a Brett Favre Christian:

2. Don’t be indecisive. Jesus tells us that we’re to be obedient (Matt. 28:19-20; John 15, etc). In many respects this isn’t a delayed obedience (the “I’ll do it later but right now I’d like to eat my gallon of ice cream in peace!” attitude).  This is active obedience. That when we’re convicted to do something, we do it now, rather than later. In the book of James, the half-brother of Jesus, he goes as far to say that if you know what is right and don’t do it; you’re in sin. You see, Brett Favre has been back and forth in his decision making process… and in the end, it hurts his family; his legacy; his fans; and his teammates. This doesn’t mean that you and I won’t from time to time make decisions that we regret – we will – but when we do, be quick to make the changes that are needed and move forward. It seems every other day there is another report that says Brett is retired/un-retired/retired/un-retired/retired… in the end it makes everyone tired.
4. Don’t show up when it’s convenient. For so many Christians, we’re available to serve, worship, pray, and read the Scripture, when it’s convenient. I understand. I get it. My Dad has always told me that hard work is well, hard work. There’s no getting around it. For Brett Favre, he’s skipped the majority of the hard work required of the rest of his teammates… how is that being a team player? He is also coming into the preseason late – how is that going to help the Vikings? As Christians, we’re to work hard… and sometimes that isn’t convenient, but it is sanctifying. I don’t think the church talks enough about sanctification of a person. What I mean by this is that you and I are a work in progress. Christians won’t be perfect – if they were, there would be no need for the cross. So, we’re constantly being perfected in His image… progressive sanctification isn’t convenient, its tough; but in the end its a delight to those that are disciples of Jesus Christ.
6. Don’t make your job anything your idol. This is actually a compliment to Brett Favre. He has said before that “when you lose a family member or something tragic happens, that stays with you forever. You never get over it. Knowing that you have to deal with that for the rest of your life… Football is important, but not as important as you once thought it was.” Kudos to Brett Favre. That’s the absolute right perspective. That being said, I would add that in some ways it appears that Brett can’t get enough football. Jesus tells us as much that you cannot serve two masters. It appears that the ‘what if’ question in his head has consumed him to the point that he must do this or he’ll regret it the rest of his life. Therefore, we shouldn’t allow anything to get in the way of our relationship with Jesus Christ. Let’s hope that we don’t let anything impede our relationship with him!

Allow me to reiterate: this is NOT about Brett’s faith; rather how we should press on in these current days. I hope you receive this as encouragement!

enjoy.