by Evan Smith, lead InterVarsity staff at York College
I SNAPPED THIS ACTION SHOT SHORTLY AFTER TWISTING MY ANKLE DURING A PARTICULARLY EMBARRASSING FUMBLE
I am probably the world’s worst athlete. You who knew me in college remember – if ever I got the ball, it was only a matter of time until a concussion, a sprain, or a broken pair of glasses ended my usefulness to the team. But of all the sports I’ve tried, one stands out as being particularly humbling: Football. God, in his infinite hilarity, has been teaching me to love this sport as a way of loving students this year! Paul articulates the challenge:
You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. (Philippians 2:5-8)
When Jesus became the word incarnate, it was in the form of those he came to love. So when I found that one of the guys I’m discipling (another Evan) is into football, and many of his not-yet-Christian friends are too, I felt the tug toward this mystifying pastime. And then, a miracle! Conversations started, relationships grew, and Jesus spoke!
This is what incarnation looks like. It has been my privilege to go to campus, availing myself of every opportunity to build relationships and earn the right to speak what is true. By entering into the interests of York students, God is bringing his kingdom in unlikely ways.
Who knew that the Lord God, maker of heaven and earth, could choose to grow his kingdom through pick-up games of two-hand-touch and an athletically challenged former philosophy major? Praise be to our God, who shows up in unlikely places, calls unlikely disciples, and uses unlikely means to show his love!
Read more here about what’s happening with InterVarsity at York College.
