The 1978 San Francisco 49ers were just 6-10. In came new head coach, Bill Walsh. He came into a team with a losing record and not many prospects to turn things around. Management had traded away some of their best players and nearly all their top draft spots. Things looked bleak for Bill and his new team.
When Bill took over the team, he set three rules for everyone in the organization to follow, from new QB Joe Montana, to the janitor who cleaned the locker rooms to Brenda, the secretary who answered the phones. Those simple rules for all were #1 do the best you can, don’t look at the clock and honor the 49ers in everything you do. The next decade saw the 49ers create a true legacy team, winning 4 Super Bowls and owning the 80s.
As I reflect on these rules, I can’t help but to see the spiritual clarity in them for all those living out Catholic faith.
#1 – “Whatever your task, work heartily, as serving the Lord and not men” Colossians 3:23. We are called by God to give our best to Him. That doesn’t mean to be the greatest who ever lived or even if our time nor does it mean perfection. It means what it says, give God your best. Give Him everything you have and to steal a football term, “leave everything on the field.”
#2 – Don’t look at the clock. This could mean many things. Focus your eyes on God, don’t look around at what’s going on in the world. Keep your eyes on the game in front of you. Don’t worry about what tomorrow brings, trust God. Go me will come back, when He comes back, it is our task to keep playing hard until that time. “Blessed is that servant whom his master when he comes will find so doing. Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions.” Matthew 24:46-47
#3 – “knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward; you are serving the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:24. In everything we do and say, honor God. Make your life a living testimony to God. “For those who honor me I will honor” 1 Samuel 2:40
If we live these three simple rules in our life, the trophy we will receive will make all the combined Lombardi trophies pale in comparison. “And when the chief Shepherd is manifested you will obtain the unfading crown of glory.” 1 Peter 5:4 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8