Lessons Learned from the 'Dawgs,' Georgia Bulldogs, That Is!

The second quarter ended with a Bulldog lead. The score favored Georgia with a 20 to 6 lead over the Kentucky Wildcats. The fans were enthusiastic as the marching band, color guard and majorettes took the field. After 'wowing' the crowd with amazing talent and choreography, the performers exited, and the players once again took the field.

Within minutes of beginning the third quarter, Kentucky scored a touchdown to bring their score up to 13 points. Not to be outperformed, Georgia answered back with a touchdown for the Bulldogs. The score was now 27-13. But not for long. The Wildcats scratched and clawed their way to the end zone for another 7 points.

As the fourth quarter play began, fans from both teams were going ballistic. As we stood among the Bulldog fans, we thought our eyes were deceiving us. Could it possibly be that Kentucky had just scored another touchdown? The truth was revealed on the scoreboard, which now read: 27-27. How was it possible? The Bulldogs had held a handy lead throughout the first three quarters.

Chants of, "Go, Georgia Bulldogs!" echoed throughout the stadium. Midway through the quarter, an amazing play by the Wildcats catapulted them into the lead. The scoreboard flashed the score, 34-27, for all the fans to see. Everyone was on their feet, as the Bulldogs reclaimed the ball one yard from Kentucky's goal. A poorly-timed fumble sealed the fate of the Dawgs who ended up bowing to the Cats with a 34-27 loss.

Despite the games' outcome, it was exciting to actually be a spectator at Sanford Stadium. Thousands of fans focusing their attention on a handful of players with one goal - to win the game. As I thought about the game over the next few days, I noted a couple similarities between the game and our lives.

In this 'game' of life, there are others who are watching us. How will we respond when we get overlooked for that promotion? Will we spew harsh words when someone is rude to us? How do we treat our neighbors? Are we a good example? Will we 'fumble' when the pressure is on? I think about Paul's reminder in Hebrews 12:1, "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us," (KJV). Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith (Heb. 12:2). As life's players, are we focused on Him and the goals He has for us?

At the end of the third quarter I would have assured you of a Bulldog win. After all, they held a healthy lead over the Wildcats until the fourth quarter. Beginning well isn't the only thing that's important. Perhaps ending well is even more important. The same is true in life. We can begin well as a follower of Jesus Christ, but end our life having shifted our focus to self. In Paul's first epistle to Timothy, he charged him to, "Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses" (1 Timothy 6:12).

As I entered Sanford Stadium a week and a half ago, little did I know that I'd be learning lessons from the Bulldogs! I am much more aware that others take notice of my actions, and I desire to live my life in such a way that I end well. My prayer is to be able to say with the Apostle Paul, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith" (2 Timothy 4:7). What do others see in you? Will you determine to finish well?