February 8 is the big game! After 272 football games, the two final teams will square off in what promises to be an exciting game. Since most of us can’t afford nosebleed tickets at $2,000 a pop, not to mention those in the luxury seats for over $60,000, we’ll have to settle for our living room couches. May the best team win!
While there are many lessons to be learned from this past season, one of the most powerful happened year before last within the Washington organization. In September of 2024, team executive Rael Enteen was fired for making disparaging remarks about his own team, their fans, their players and the entire NFL.
Enteen’s private comments about how he thought many Commanders fans were alcoholics and worse came to light. In addition, he accused players on the team he worked for of being stupid, and they, as well as team staff, of being too white and too religious. His criticisms were not limited to the Commanders as he also denigrated other NFL owners and the Commissioner himself. Although he shared these thoughts privately, he was unaware he was being filmed and lost his job as soon as the video came to light.
The main issue here is loyalty to the team and to his fellow teammates, both those in management as well as those on the field. Criticisms may be well founded and need to be examined and addressed but to share them outside the organization in such a derogatory way brought dishonor to the entire team.
This debacle, however, caused me to consider remarks I’ve made before about my “teammates” in the church. While doctrinal and behavioral issues must be addressed, it’s important to do so within the guidelines of Matthew 18 where Jesus tells us to first go to the individual with whom we disagree and then with another person who can be neutral and objective. If it is still unresolved the issue is to be brought before the entire church body. Such a strategy leaves no room for personal criticism or gossip and protects the dignity and respect of every brother and sister as well as the entire church body.
If all of our private comments about others were recorded and then broadcast openly, what would be revealed? I dare say each of us have criticized fellow players on Jesus’ team including some “leaders” and “coaches,” aka pastors. In addition, we’ve likely even let some remarks slip that would cast dishonor, if not outright disgrace, on our “Owner,” Jesus Himself.
While we may think we spoke such criticisms in quiet confidence, we must remember that even if no other person hears, God always does. His camera is always running and although He won’t use footage to embarrass or humiliate us, He does indicate in Matthew 12:37 that our words will be used to judge us. We should be very careful regarding the words we speak and the thoughts we think regarding our Lord, His Church, and His children. How many of us should get fired from God’s Kingdom for our derogatory conversations and thoughts? Praise God for His grace!
As we reflect on the past NFL season and anticipate Super Bowl LX, may this incident from 2024 remind us to season our conversations with salt taking great care not to speak against the Lord, His anointed servants, nor His children. Blessings, George
