A Doomsday Defense?
Throughout the Michigan/Washington football game, I kept hearing the announcers refer to something called the "doomsday defense." Nobody ever explained it, though, so I decided to look it up.
All I can gather is that it is a name given to the defensive line of the Dallas Cowboys in the 1960s-1970s, which was "the backbone of the Cowboys' dynasty." It must have been a big deal, because it is still part of football jargon today.
Anyway, when I think of "doomsday" in religious parlance, it is not a pretty word. It brings to mind judgment and damnation, not exactly a backbone for us. But, believing in a final judgment, and the damnation of hell as we do, these can certainly motivate us to live a better life.
And that's okay, but they are not the best motivators. Accepting they are a reality is one thing, using them as our sole motivator is another. Our motivation to live a better life should be connected to our love of God and each other.
Be watchful of the "hell and damnation" people online (or in your life) who take it as their personal mission to point out your sins, and through their self-appointed kingship, become condemner of all. They can bring real ugliness into the world with their agenda.
The Christian life is a combination of joy and suffering, and it does include repenting of our sins, but it is also about walking in the awareness of God's love for us. Balance is key to a healthy life, and that goes for spirituality as well.
God created each of us, in love, and he wants nothing more than for you and I to accept his love and forgiveness. That's what makes each of us worthy--not someone else's determination that we are unworthy.
The Good News of Jesus is not a doomsday message, and the nearer you are to him, the more you understand it. Break through whatever defense is keeping you from him, and you will find yourself on a winning team!
Janet Cassidy
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