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Here in Texas we would whether talk about the Longhorns and the Rose Bowl, instead of talking the Aggies, lawsuits, and twelfth man traditions. The twelfth man tradition was started at Texas A & M in 1922. The football team had so many injuries the team had to get a student from the stands to play. The student section was named the twelfth man and they stand up during the entire football game. The Seattle Seahawks have their own twelfth man tradition. The Seahawks honored their fans by the retiring the number twelve.

The stories of fans and their teams can often be amusing. I have an uncle who if his team is losing, he will put on his lucky cap. If his teams ends up losing it is because he didn’t put his cap on in time. As long as a person doesn’t go overboard with their actions, they are usually funny things we do to help us enjoy the game. However whether my uncle wears his cap or not doesn’t affect the outcome of the game.

As Christians we are a part of a much larger team. Unlike standing during a game or wearing lucky caps, our actions can make a difference. When we pray God hears us. When we help others, the body of Christ is strengthen.

When Christians are persecuted on the other side of the world, we suffer. When they rejoice, we rejoice. Our team is worldwide and goes back in time. The team also includes the Old Testament saints.

Many Christians look at the early church and wonder why they were so effective. It was because they understood the concept of teamwork. They prayed together on the Day of Pentecost. They looked after their widows. They sent out missionaries. They were committed to the cause of Christ. They changed their world.

Today the body of Christ is less focused and the world is changing us. Instead of preaching the gospel we are often sidetracked by other issues. While church growth is important we must not overlook the need to grow deeper in the word. The problems of our society will not be cured by worldly solutions; the best way to help our society is to preach the gospel.

Sometimes churches are only interested in being cheering sections. They want people to feel good. Then the churches wonder why people leave. There are plenty of places a person can go to feel good. However the church is the only place, which offers a life-changing experience. If we want to change the world, we must preach the gospel so people’s lives will be changed. 

Christ has already won the victory over Satan at Calvary. In one way we are marching in a victory parade through a hostile crowd. Our job is to finish the course. We get tired on our journey. We start to think we are in the battle by ourselves. Sometimes we want to slip into the stands and watch the action. We want to be “armchair Christians”. However we must remember our place is on the field of action. Sometimes I’m guilty of watching instead of being involved in the battle. If I’m not careful I find myself reading too many books on prayer instead of praying. 

The eleventh chapter of Hebrews is often referred to as the “Faith Hall of Fame” chapter. Then at the start of the twelfth chapter the writer compares the heroes of faith to a great cloud of witnesses. In other words the “heroes of faith” are our twelfth man.

However they are more than the twelfth man. They are the ones who have showed us the way. They are not mere spectators; they have lived the life of faith. These heroes of faith endured. They fought the good fight. Next time you are facing a difficult time, think about the eleventh chapter of Hebrews. Then follow the advice of the twelfth chapter and throw off everything, which hinders you. Keep your eyes on Jesus and don’t give up.

Copyright Danny Woodall