"The Long Haul"

“The Long Haul”

 

From their inception in 1960 through 1988 the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys were coached by the legendary Tom Landry. In his 29 years at the helm Landry led the team to 250 victories (including a record 20 consecutive winning seasons), 20 playoff wins, five conference championships, and two Super Bowl titles. In a pressure-packed position he showed a calmness on the sidelines that was in stark contrast to the fiery demeanor of many of his fellow coaches. And he accomplished all this while maintaining a strong Christian testimony both inside and outside football (his spiritual values will be the subject of a future posting).

What you may not know is how it all began. The Cowboys didn’t win a single game that first season and didn’t break even until 1965 (by then their win-loss record was 25-53 along with four ties). I’ve sometimes wondered what went on in front office meetings during those lean years when Landry’s future came up for discussion and how close he may have come to being fired. (Many coaches get canned under such circumstances.) But for some reason the brain trust stuck with him and the outcome speaks for itself.

Some owners in professional sports are known for changing coaches and managers often when they don’t perform up to expectations. But building a strong organization takes time and patience. Chances are that revolving-door-led teams find themselves at the top less frequently than those with long-term stability on the sidelines or in the dugout.

The Christian life has been described as a marathon rather than a sprint. In other words, it’s a long haul which continues for the whole time God keeps us on earth (“…He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”—Philippians 1:6). A concluding thought from a recent Our Daily Bread devotional reminds us that “The growth of a saint is the work of a lifetime.” Yes, our progress can be painfully slow and frustrating at times—the Apostle Paul knew this from his own life so he was able to encourage his readers (and us today): “…Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” (Galatians 6:9, KJV). Joyce Meyer pointed out that with God “due season” is open-ended but His timing is always right and He’ll walk with us through our journey.

So, how committed are we to the long haul?

Blessings!

Jim McMillan