Junior Seau and Eternity

I received the word today that longtime San Diego Charger great Junior Seau, died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest today at the age of 43.  Though I never personally met Junior, I feel like I knew him.  I had watched him play linebacker at USC and remember him being drafted to the Chargers.  I remember his exuberance on the field, how he was ejected from his first game as a professional because of his enthusiasm.  I always loved Junior Seau, and there can never be another 55.  His number 55 jersey still hangs in my closet to this day.  Junior Seau owned a restaurant in Mission Valley and I still remember the commercials and food.  My sincere condolences and heart goes out to his family and all those who are grieving his passing.  It stings a little more knowing that Junior may have hurried along his own death.  It is a sad ending for an otherwise exemplary life in the public eye. 

When I heard of Junior's passing, I thought of San Diego Padre great Ken Caminiti who died of a drug overdose at the age of 41.  These are two men from my two favourite sports teams who perished through a series of decisions they made.  I don't know that I ever idolised these men, but I always respected and held them in high regard.  I loved to cheer them and rejoiced in their mastery.  Watching Junior perfectly time the snap count for a quick sack and seeing Caminiti launch switch-hit home runs in a single game were legendary.  But there is more to life than gridiron and baseball.  There is a life outside the lines that counts for more than what happens between them.  Many people are idolised for their conduct between the lines based upon how good, fast, strong, and skilled they are.  No man is worthy of being idolised because he is not God.

In the big picture, a football or baseball career is over soon after it begins.  Wise athletes make preparations for a career after their sporting career.  Investments are made; money is carefully set aside.  They recognise there is more to life than hitting a ball or sacking a quarterback.  Most people will never play professional sports.  Those who are wise will seek the provision of security - not only for the remainder of a life lived upon the earth - but a home in the heavens eternally basking in presence of God.  This is obtained in only one way:  through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.  When I was born again by grace through faith, it was then I obtained and entered into a life worth living no matter what trials I faced.  Because Jesus has given all for us, we should be joyous in giving all back to Him.

Perhaps the temptation is to judge Junior for his alleged regrettable decision.  Instead of judging, please pray for comfort, mercy, and peace for all who are grieving.  The reality is, Junior Seau, nor any other man, will ultimately be judged by men.  All people will stand before the Living God and be judged according to their works in light of God's law.  Those who have had their sins atoned by the blood of Jesus will be rewarded or suffer loss for the stewardship of their time on earth.  All who are in Christ will receive a joyful entrance into the heavenly presence of God forever.  However, those who die in their sins without the atonement and reconciliation afforded through the blood of Jesus, will be separated from God for eternity in hell.  How Junior's life ended is tragic, yet God is able to make good even come from this.  The Bible teaches that it is appointed for men once to die, and then comes judgment.  Eternity for Junior has been decided.  It is the most important choice a person can make, for what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his own soul?

Rest in peace, Junior.  Philippians 4:6-8 reads, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; ⁷ and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. ⁸ Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things."  Junior Seau did many praiseworthy things, and that's the way I'll always remember him.