Helpful thoughts from The Dilf on Favre

I never thought I'd defend or stick up for Brett Favre. I never even wanted him to come to the Bucs when Coach (now analyst) Gruden tried to bring him there. But last night, after yet another tough loss, his coach Brad Childress publicly blasted him. "We can't throw interceptions...we can't throw interceptions to be returned for touchdowns...."

Trent Dilfer, an ESPN commentator, and sometimes Favre apologist, but also a former Bucs QB and believer who had to rely on his faith to sustain him through the loss of a child (so I have huge respect for him) had some interesting takes on Coach Childress' public undressing of Favre. That was pretty darn long sentence.

Perhaps it was the "Dilf's" Christian insight, or just common sense which led to several conclusions which are very applicable to the church.

1.) Dilfer argued that can't say you are a family (which is a load of you-know what anyway), and that you will take care of everything "in house," and then publicly blast your QB during an emotional post game press conference. If Favre wasn't doing something he was supposed to do, you handle that between you and Favre. You don't say "we" when you really mean Favre. 

I don't know a ton of pastors in the area, but I do know it has not been uncommon for preachers to call out people from their pulpits. Seriously. Perhaps they used the words "we" like Childrenss, but really just meant YOU (not you plural, but YOU as ONE individual). That is busch-league, unloving and plain sinful, and will never happen at our church so long as Barret and I are preaching. If you ever hear the words "we" and you think we are specifically talking about YOU in isolation, please know that we aren't. Unlike a football team or work environment, the church is a family. God says so, not a coach or boss. We'll handle things person to person and not from the pulpit to A person.

2) The Dilf also commented about the necessity of not blasting someone for something they already know is wrong. He said, "Do you think Favre thinks its OK to throw interceptions, and interceptions for touchdowns?" Of course he knows that. When someone is clueless of their sins and errors, out of love we restore them in a spirit of gentleness (Gal 6:1). But there are times when you don't need to say anything because the person already knows it. How do you know when to speak and when the person already knows? Sometimes its pretty obvious. For other times, you'll need to pray for your love to grow in "knowledge and discernment" as Paul does for the Philippians in 1:9-11. My most recent sermon on it is here.