Walking the Point

posted by Writer on Dec 1

From the NFL – Former NFL coach and current NFL Network analyst, Steve Mariucci, made a great observation after New Orleans’ quarterback Drew Brees threw five interceptions, costing his team a chance to beat the Atlanta Falcons Thursday night. Mariucci stated that Brees offered no excuses, didn’t say he had ‘to watch game film’ first, but clearly stated that it was his poor performance that cost his team the game. He said this in the post game press conference:

“It doesn’t really matter how they happened, the responsibility is mine. It’s extremely disappointing. A couple of critical mistakes that end up costing us the game and I’m OK saying that because I have to hold myself accountable. I pride myself on being a great decision-maker and guy that’s going to help us win the game, not be a detriment by turning the ball over like that.” (1)

Contrast that statement with the actions of President Obama and his handling of Benghazi. While football and fighting Islamic terrorists are worlds apart, the principles of leadership remain the same. Drew Brees accepted the blame for losing on Thursday, and he didn’t hide or pass the buck.

I don’t know about you, but I admire Brees for stepping up and would not hesitate to follow a man of such character on the field, or more importantly, into battle. What a great role model for kids, too!

America needs more men like Brees at this hour!

(1) New Orleans Saints loss to Atlanta Falcons is on Drew Brees by Jeff Duncan, Times-Picayune 11/30/2012

‘Lessons out of Africa’ – Here’s the prayer of Uganda’s president asking God to forgive them for their country’s sins:

“I stand here today to close the evil past, and especially in the last 50 years of our national leadership history and at the threshold of a new dispensation in the life of this nation. I stand here on my own behalf and on behalf of my predecessors to repent. We ask for your forgiveness.

We confess these sins, which have greatly hampered our national cohesion and delayed our political, social and economic transformation. We confess sins of idolatry and witchcraft which are rampant in our land. We confess sins of shedding innocent blood, sins of political hypocrisy, dishonesty, intrigue and betrayal.

Forgive us of sins of pride, tribalism and sectarianism; sins of laziness, indifference and irresponsibility; sins of corruption and bribery that have eroded our national resources; sins of sexual immorality, drunkenness and debauchery; sins of unforgiveness, bitterness, hatred and revenge; sins of injustice, oppression and exploitation; sins of rebellion, insubordination, strife and conflict.

“We want to dedicate this nation to you so that you will be our God and guide. We want Uganda to be known as a nation that fears God and as a nation whose foundations are firmly rooted in righteousness and justice to fulfill what the Bible says in Psalm 33:12: Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord. A people you have chosen as your own.” (1)

In many American churches, once the closing song begins, a number of people start heading for the door. I surmise they believe they’ve done their duty to God, so its time to get on with other, more important things. God forbid they get stuck in the traffic while leaving the lot.

I often wonder how they will defend liberty when they won’t remain in a service long enough until its completed, or take time to pray, sacrificing their time, over the things affecting our nation. In all honesty, they can’t

Here’s a short segment of a sermon preached by Samuel West during the War for Independence: “Our cause is so just and good that nothing can prevent our success but only our sins. Could I see a spirit of repentance and reformation prevail throughout the land, I should not have the least apprehension or fear of being brought under the iron rod of slavery, even though all the powers of the globe were combined against us. And though I confess that the irreligion and profaneness which are so common among us gives us something of a damp to my spirits, yet I cannot help hoping, and even believing, that Providence has designed this continent for to be the asylum of liberty and true religion.” (2)

We’ll see if the gesture by Uganda is genuine, but only time will tell. If so, American churches need to take a cue from Reverend West and also what’s happening in Africa, while remembering what George Mason said; “Providence punishes national sins with national calamities.”

It’s a pretty good bet that we’ll never see our president do something like this, so Christians must act.

Still, we don’t seem to don’t get it because we’re in too busy, and because of this, we ought to hang our heads in shame.

(1) http://www.wnd.com/2012/11/ugandan-president-repents-of-personal-national-sins/ 

(2) Marshall, Peter and Manuel, David, The Light and the Glory, p. 296-297