What I learned from the U.Va./UNC Basketball Game

U.Va. lost to UNC last week by 22 points. Of the points UNC scored, 24 were the result of being fouled. U.Va. tried for 27 3-pointers, connecting only 4 times. IF U.Va. had not fouled as often...or IF they had connected on a few more 3-pointers, the result would have been much different. "IF" is a big word.

The reason UNC was given so many shots at the free-throw line was because U.Va. could not stop them from scoring without fouling them. The reason U.Va. took so many 3-pointers is because they could not penetrate to the basket against UNC's defense. U.Va. was left with no good options against a team that had better shooters, a stronger defense and the ability to capitalize under the basket.

The game is analogous to my struggle against sin:

1. I can't seem to get a hold of it so I end up making stupid decisions (3-pointers) or fouling to make up for my lack of ability. The opponent doesn't miss an opportunity to capitalize on my weakness and is not worried about running up the score.

2. Just as on any given play the difference in the ability levels of the teams was not extremely obvious, my Sin does not appear gross to the casual observer. In the context of the entire game, however, the little mistakes added up to a big loss...my little sins along the way are damaging.

3. I can look good while failing; the appearance of righteousness is not good enough. While the U.Va. players looked great in their uniforms and both coaches were dressed really well, the appearance of the players did not affect the scoreboard.

4. The best player has already won my struggle against sin: Jesus has forgiven me, redeemed me, is sanctifying me and will deliver me one day. My best play is to sit on the bench and watch him "run-up the score" for the team.

I could continue on about the assumption by many that the U.Va. loss was assured prior to the game being started; I could unpack that the loss was a team effort, not falling on the shoulders of any one player. But the most important thought regards the difference between U.Va.'s loss and my struggle with sin and that is simply this: U.Va. vs. UNC was a game, my life is not. And that makes a huge difference.