"THE GAME OF LIFE"
by Ralph Gross

To me there is nothing I enjoy more than seeing two good football teams in action. I would like for each us to visualize ourselves as football players, players who are about to play in the World Championship Game - "The Game of Life". Lets call ourselves the "Universal Angels" vs. the "Worldly Red Devils".

We must have a pretty good team to be able to participate in this "Championship Game of Life", but what's been our secret in winning all our previous games and entitled us to be in the "Big Game"?

I have listed six reason I believe that has made this team.

We are now back on the playing field about to kickoff to our opponents. The stadium is filled to its capacity and the whole world is tuned in by all means of communication for this game.

The referee blows his whistle and the game is underway. Who will be victorious?

The "Worldly Red Devils" take the opening kickoff and run right through us for a touchdown. The extra point is blocked and we are behind 6-0.

The first half ends without any further scoring. We are now in the fourth and final period and it's our ball on our own 48-yard line with less than one-minute to go. We try to stop the clock, our time-outs are all used up, we have time for one more play. Our quarterback calls the play he wants, he gets good protection, the blocking is perfect, he throws a pass to the right corner of the end zone as the clock runs out. The extra point attempt is good and we defeat the Worldly Red Devils 7-6. It was an exciting game, but we pulled it out of the "Fire".

What's the thought I'm trying to project in our minds?

Lets look at the points that we mentioned earlier and see how these ideas could make each of us a better christian.

1. Good Training Program - Each of us should have a good Christian training in our homes for ourselves and our children.

2. Learned Our Plays Well - Learn the word of God, teach, and obey his will.

3. Good Teamwork - Each of us should work together for the betterment of our Church and enjoy brotherly fellowship in serving God.

4. Good Team Spirit - There is no better spiritual feeling than knowing Christ is near us, always ready to help us, and give us strength through our trails and tribulations.

5. Faith In Our Coach - Above all have faith in God and serve him to the best of our abilities while here on earth.

6. Set Our Goal High - There is no goal higher than the goal of heaven above.

If we do Gods will we can't lose. We are playing everyday "The Game of Life" in our everyday living and there are lots of big tackles, linebackers ready to pin us to the ground, but we've got to keep driving for that one big goal before time runs out. The big goal of course I'm referring to is "Eternal Salvation".

* Ralph Gross wrote and read this to the men's bible class at the Church of Christ, 40th & Hazel Street, Pine Bluff, Arkansas in the 1970's.

** Jeff Gross, son of Ralph, read it in his eulogy speech at his father's funeral on February 8, 2003.