The Center is the Way

If you witnessed me playing little league football, you “too” would have believed I was destined for the League or at least a starter and impact player in high school. I say “too” because I believed; I was on my way to becoming the next star NFL running back, like Tony Dorsett; or a punishing defender, like safety Ronnie Lott. I loved football and had the skills of a game changer whether on offense or defense (this is my story, ha!).

I had a passion for and a good understanding of the game. And I felt the positions I played were the most pivotal.  However; while running backs are important in the offensive scheme, success for the offensive unit depends upon the less glamorous position of center.

Everything begins with the center. 

In our faith journey; we can become distracted by our position sometimes thinking too highly of ourselves; and conversely, too often devaluing our position as believers. In Romans 12:3, Paul reminds us of our need for balance:

“Because of the grace allotted to me, I can respectfully tell you not to think of yourselves

as being more important than you are; devote your minds to sound judgment

 since God has assigned to each of us a measure of faith”.

In our pursuit of becoming game changers for the kingdom of God; we are to avoid the "greatness" glamour trap; of which, the disciples succumbed: “Then they began to argue among themselves about who would be the greatest among them” (Luke 22:24). Rather, making our goal to become more like a center; focused on our assignment with sound judgment, recognizing the importance of fulfilling our roles.

Thinking about the position name center; by it we know its nature, location and significance. When we hear the word center, we know where to look and where to focus. Going to the huddle or toward the line of scrimmage, the center often yells:  On Me, or Line Up on Me!

Everything begins with the center.  

The huddle where the quarterback gives instruction for the play revolves around the center. As the players go to the line of scrimmage, the players line up on the center. To begin a play, the center must release the ball to the quarterback.

When we are centered, we have singular focus and know where we are going. Taking our cues from the center offers valuable lessons to guide and ground us in our relationship with Jesus and others.  Consider the following three attributes of a center:

1. Alignment – the center ensures that everyone; particular himself is properly aligned. Meaning he is in the correct position and everyone else can trust his judgment. This is important because his teammates rely on him being in the right place enabling them to be correctly positioned. As believers; our goal is to live a life in alignment with the teachings of Jesus; so that, others can know and trust the truth of the Gospel.
2. Always Releases the Ball – the center recognizes the quarterback’s job is to get the ball to the right player; whether to a running back, a receiver or himself.  The center doesn't keep the ball just because he can hold onto it. He releases it to the quarterback to execute the play. As believers; we too, are to always release the ball (our challenges, dreams, hopes, our troubles, etc.) to Jesus our quarterback, because only He can make the right and best decisions for us.
3. Forward-Focused – the center looks forward focusing on the mission-field in front of him.  Although there are challenges and threats before him the center remains undeterred. The center is determined to utilize his skills and strengths to accomplish the best results. As believers; we face challenges and threats, and our goal is to remain forward-focused to fulfill the Great Commission of Jesus (making disciples of all nations-people).

Practicing ways of a center; we become effective believers/followers of Jesus, as we embrace that “God has assigned to each of us a measure of faith”.

In full disclosure, I never made it to the League nor did I become an impact player in high school. But I am striving and learning to become a center; with the realization, it is the most critical position for an effective offense and for a follower of Jesus.

-- 

Inspired By Love,

Marcus J. Singleton
Lead Pastor
Living Faith Community 

Hoover, AL

Our Vision: "A diverse community of faith; inspired by the love of Jesus,

                    committed to becoming and making disciples".