Crossing the Goal Line

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes
to the Father except through me.

-- John 14:6

With the kickoff of football season just around the corner, this is a good time to remember the legendary “Wrong Way” Roy Riegels.

In the 1929 Rose Bowl, Riegels — who played center for the University of California Golden Bears — picked up his teammate’s fumble on the Georgia Tech 30-yard line. But instead of simply falling on the ball or moving it forward, Riegels turned around and dashed 69 yards in the wrong direction toward his own team’s end zone. Golden Bear quarterback Benny Lonn finally caught up to his confused teammate at the 3-yard line and tried to turn him around. But it was too late. The Georgia Tech defense swarmed over Riegels and tackled him just in front of the goal line.

The result? Riegels and his team ended up losing the game 8–7 while opponent

Georgia Tech claimed their second national championship. After his infamous blunder, Riegels was in despair.

“Coach, I can’t do it. I’ve ruined you, I’ve ruined myself, I’ve ruined the University of California. I couldn’t face that crowd to save my life.”

“Roy,” responded California’s head coach Nibs Price, “Get up and go back out there. The game is only half over.”

That’s good advice for anyone who’s made a wrong turn or two in life -- which means all of us. As Christ-followers, Jesus forgives our sins and turns us back in the right direction. But there still are things we should do to help avoid the missteps that can lead us astray and hinder our faith-journey.

First, never walk alone. We may think that we have everything under control and can take the trip by ourselves. But God isn't looking for so-called Lone Ranger Christians. Instead, we should be in regular fellowship with other Christ-followers. And when we do meet with other believers, it must be in a spirit a truth -- meaning without deception or sin.

We also need to agree on a map for our journey, which happens to be God’s Word: The Bible. And once we’re headed out, we should also expect some bumps along the way. Yes, there will be stretches of smooth pavement with beautiful scenery all around. But there will also be potholes, steep hills and rough terrain. And finally -- and most importantly -- we need to trust our Guide. Jesus, who was God in the flesh, has not only gone before us, he's the only one who has ever lived a perfect, sin-free life. He knows the way because he is The Way.

Have you gotten lost or turned the wrong way along your faith-journey? If so, you’re in good company. Now’s the time to join the crowd and get back on the road. And then follow Jesus.