Lessons from the Rugby Field

Late last week, we were given a few hours of free time. I decided to spend my morning at the hospital down the road, praying for patients in the waiting area (a cement platform outside with a few wooden benches, backed with bicycle racks). Moments after ariving, a man approached me, wondering why I was there. I briefly explained to him the details of the world race, and futher, my love of hospitals and prayer. He shook my hand and took a seat beside me. “I’m Vincent” he said. “I’m twenty eight and born-again. My mother is here for x-rays (unexpected back pain) and I can sit with you until she completes her exam.” This was an appointment from the Lord. It would be straight-up plagiarism if I didn’t tell you that everything from this point forward came directly from God, through my new friend.

Vincent runs a rugby clinic for high school boys in Bungoma several days a week. He’s deeply troubled by the stereotypes that Africans have associated with rugby players: heavy smokers, heavy drinkers, looking to physically injur other men to prove their strength in rage. “Strength,” he told me, “is not a tool you use to hurt people. It’s not a trophy for display. Strength is an outward sign of inner discipline.” (Go ahead and read that last sentence one more time.) As I struggled to scrape my jaw up off the floor, he went on to explain the vision behind his clinic. He believes that young men in Bungoma have somehow forgotten the importance of self-discipline. His rugby clinic is not a “team”, but rather, a place young men can go to learn the skill of the game. As Vincent leads these young men through their stretching, running, and drills, he’s also teaching them about honor, humility, teamwork and self-discipline. And he does it all in the name of Christ.

Here’s a walk-through of what Vincent is trying to convery to these young men:

1. Life is a lot like a game of rugby. You should use the skills and talents that God has given you to the benefit of others. Join a team (church/bible study/life group, etc). Train. Practice. Fellowship with others who seek to do the same. You will need the support, encouragement, and accountability that only your team will be able to offer you.

2. When it comes time to compete, SHOW UP. You’ve prepared. You’ve trained. You’re ready. Equip yourself with the armor (Ephesians 6). Do not selfishly waste your training. Go share your gospel.

3. Don’t overlook the importance of warming up. Each body is crafted differently. To properly warm up, we all need to do different “stretches” (reading scripture, meditating, singing, praying, fasting, etc) Whatever is required of you to warm up, DO IT WELL. God has made you victorious–this does NOT provide you with an excuse to be lazy!

4. When you play the game, play as a team. Use your skills to compliment your teammates’. The goal is not to display your own strength; it is to testify of your team’s unity, training, and discipline.

5. When you win (and you WILL win) go back to the training room. Regroup. Recharge. Refuel. And invite the spectators to join you.

Victory is not the goal. Jesus already accomplished that on the cross. So…what is?

The game isn’t entirely finished until EVERYONE wears the same uniform: the blood of Christ.

Until then…GAME ON.