"Why So Serious?"

Does the name Steve Johnson ring a bell? Chances are, you've never heard of the guy. well, Steve happens to be the leading receiver for the resurgent Buffalo Bills football team. I say resurgent because Sunday, November 28th, the Bills played the Steelers and had they won that game, it would have been their 3rd win in a row, which is something they have not been able to accomplish in years. Prior to Sunday's game, Johnson not only recorded 137 receiving yards, but he celebrated one of his three TD's by lifting his jersey to show a famous quote by the late Heath Ledger: "Why So Serious?" So, back to the game against the Steelers, Johnson during overtime had the coverage beaten, and all he had to do was catch a perfectly thrown pass from his quarterback, a Harvard guy! Perfect pass, perfect route by the receiver, in the NFL usually translate into points. But that wasn't the case that Sunday. Johnson infamously 'dropped' the pass in the end zone. Following the game, the same Johnson who was a proponent of not taking oneself seriously, tweeted: I PRAISE YOU 24/7!!!!!AND THIS IS HOW YOU DO ME!!!!!YOU EXPECT ME TO LEARN FRO THIS???HOW???ILL NEVER FORGET THIS!!EVER!!THX THO...,"

The drop dominated headlines throughout the NFL, because even a high school player could have held on to the pass. But his post-game tweet captured my attention. I believe it was an honest remark by a disheartened person, someone who had just witnessed his world caving in from all directions. I admire his bluntness, however ill-directed. Admittedly, I wonder how many of us blame the misfortunes of life on God--while also failing to credit him for our success. Listen to the words of Paul:

"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all things through him who gives my strength" (Philippians 4:12-13).

Paul knew what it felt like to have things, and what if felt like not having anything. He was aware that in his ministry, hardships and challenges were as much a part of like as blessings. It is hard to be joyful when things aren't going well. Johnson was pretty loose (why so serious) until he dropped what should have been the game winning TD. And we too, are pretty tolerant and understanding until challenges and difficulties materialize. But like Paul, let us strive to be 'content in any and every situation', however dire it may be. Have a Jesus Day