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From Rags to Riches

 “So I sought for a man among them who would…stand in the gap before me…”  Ezekiel 23:30

I haven’t had a chance to watch much football this year, but the highlights captured on ESPN and other channels help keep me updated on my favorite teams. College football is huge in our area. We don’t really have any local pro teams so much of our attention and passion is centered on teams like Boise State, University of Washington, Washington State, and Whitworth College, just to name a few.

Many of the sports prognosticators suggest that this year the Pac-10 is the second strongest conference in the country.  After the last few weeks, some might say the Pac-10 players are the most explosive and talented group of athletes to grace 100 yards of turf in the past decade.

While living in the Bay Area I remember reading about a very talented University of Washington running back named Napoleon Kaufman.  As I periodically did chapels with the Raiders, I came to know and appreciate this multi-talented man.

I’m reminded of Napoleon’s story about his life before and after Christ. I know of his desire to “stand in the gap” for his family and congregation.  The following is an excerpt from my book Crunch Time that enables us to appreciate how one man can make a difference.
 
One of the best college running backs of all-time was poised to take the field for his last season.  The legendary “Tunnel” leading to the UW field was electrified with tension as Napoleon Kaufman and his teammates stood and contemplated the game and their futures.  Just two weeks prior to that moment, as a confused young man, Kaufman had been in a street fight after a night of “clubbing and drinking”.  Napoleon recalls, “I was all about me.  My world consisted of acting like a fool so that others would recognize me.  I was living a life built upon external rewards that I thought would make me happy.  In my heart, I knew I was living a lie.”

Known as Nip to his teammates, he remembers wondering if he could get through that first game.  Doctors had worked hours to try and reconstruct his eye socket due to the injury suffered in the street brawl.  The physician had advised Nip to give up football due to the fragile nature of the screws that were placed in his head during surgery.

“That season was difficult as I was filled with fear and worry”,  Nip recalls,  “I was constantly trying to meet everyone’s expectations while feeling that I could fumble at anytime. Being one of the smallest players in the game I often felt threatened.”

Kaufman finished the season and led the Pac-10 with 4,041 rushing yards and set numerous Washington Husky records.  He did so well his name was placed in contention for the coveted Heisman Trophy and The Doak Walker awards.  In the spring of 1995 he was selected first round draft pick of the Oakland Raiders.

Despite his success, inwardly Nip knew that his life was a mess.  His arrogant attitude and foul mouth baited others to confrontation.  He showed disrespect to players by placing his primary focus upon his personal accomplishments and scores.  But inwardly Nip was struggling.  His precious new bride beckoned him to be a leader at home.  His teammates encouraged him to “quit actin’ a fool”.  Through a series of events both on and off the field Nip felt that “God was trying to tell him something”.  People began sending him Christian books, strangers began coming up to him and saying things like, “God has a plan for you.  He wants to use your life for Kingdom work.”

Nip knew that in the past Pro Athletes were known and admired for breaking records.  He realized that many of today’s athletes are known for being law-breakers.  Nip didn’t want to end up as an embarrassment to himself, his family, or God.  Nip recalls a conversation he had with full-back Jerome Davidson that impressed him with the grace and peace that only a life in Christ could bring.

That night Nip gave his life to Jesus.  Both he and his beautiful wife Nicole were baptized and motivated to study God’s word.  Instead of focusing on himself, he now focuses upon God’s plan for his life.  Instead of being an embarrassment to the team, he was a role model.  Instead of worrying about the external rewards or fumbling the ball, he placed his attention on the internal blessings that come with a dedicated life.  When those deep punts challenged Nips abilities, he experienced a special peace that transcended the game itself. 

Kaufman now sees trials as a testing ground for his faith.  He agrees with James (the half-brother of Christ), “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4. And like the Psalmist, Nip constantly remembers that during the fearful times “I will fear no evil, for You are with me” Ps. 23:4

Nip’s encouragement to all of us is to keep our focus on God.  “Inward peace is a quality that comes from being filled with the love and spirit of God’s righteousness.”  Nip gave up football several years ago and is now the Senior Pastor at The Well located in Dublin, California.  He will be one of our keynote speakers at our Iron Sharpens Iron Conference on May 3 in the Tri Cities area of Washington State. 
Napoleon has discovered the greatest treasure of all, a relationship with Jesus Christ.  Fame, fortune, and worldly success are but rags to a man when he discovers the treasure of knowing God and making Him known.  In my heart former players and friends like Nip, Steve Wisniewski, Greg Beikert, Rich Gannon, and Ryan Phillips are already in God’s Hall of Fame. 

What might you be holding on to that is more precious than the saving grace of Christ?  How can we pray for you and your family?  As I write this devotional, I think of two very close friends who, if God doesn’t intervene, may see Him in the very near future.  What if someone told you that you had only a month to live?  How would your priorities change?

I can tell you there have been too many people in my circle of friends who were with us last year and are now home with the Lord.  It has caused me to continue re-focusing my priorities as I seek to live a life of significance.

Please pray for my friends and their families as they work through the transition time between life and eternity.  Also, pray for our ISI Conference in May that men will understand the importance of seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.

Blessings to you and your family,