Back to Basics   by Susan Al-Saadi

It’s winter. We’re in Wisconsin. Yes, let’s talk about football. Vince Lombardi, former coach of the Green Bay Packers, is arguably the most respected coach, past or present, in the game of football. The winners of the Superbowl, the pinnacle of football success, get a little trinket called the Lombardi Trophy. It might be wise, if you are interested in success in any endeavor, to pay attention to his words. Lombardi said, “When you stray away from the basics, you move toward defeat.” Sticking to the fundamentals of the game was his strategy. Let the other coaches try the trick plays or the mind games. The end result proves the method, and Lombardi’s method worked.

What is your strategy for staying close to God? Is it getting the result you want? Maybe it’s time to get back to basics. Know the love of Jesus. Grow in His Spirit and grace. Show His love to others. Sometimes we complicate things that should be kept simple. Know, grow, show. This is our mission.

Know the love of Jesus. Talk to Him, just as you would talk to a friend. Read the love letter and words of wisdom He left for you, the Bible. Connect with Him in praise and worship. Listen, and learn.

Grow in His Spirit. Study His Word. Apply Biblical principles to all areas of your life; family, work, school, relationships. Spend time with other believers, in church, in group Bible study and in fellowship.

Show the love of Jesus to others. Let His Spirit be so fused with yours that His love overflows to all you meet. Tell your friends what God has done in your life. Give them hope that He wants to be a part of theirs. Include them in your life. Work to make your church a better place, equipped to help new believers know, grow and show.

“Gentlemen, this is a football,” Vince Lombardi told his team after they had lost a few games. It’s hard to get more basic than that! What could we say, if we want to get to the essence of our mission? “Gentle readers, this is an altar. This is a Bible.” Let’s get back to basics...know the love of Jesus, grow in His Spirit and grace, and show His love to others. That’s the best strategy for a successful and happy new year.