Matt Patterson in The Oklahoman (November 17, 2014, pp. 1,2A) writes about Marvin and Bobbie Margo’s devotion to OU football. They set a standard of faithfulness to football that each member of the church would do well to consider in his or her faithfulness to God, the Father, as we make our journey into eternity (cf. Rev. 2:10)!
Consider their example of attending the games. They got seats for the “50 yard line.” They sought to see and savor every detail, display, and athletic deed or musical maneuver each game or gathering offered. By parallel, no preacher would ever need to plead for them to “come down to the front,” or have his or her heart prepared to participate or share in the potential and profits of pure worship before God!
Consider their readiness to dole out dollars from 1941 (when they were students at OU) to the present! “No matter if we didn’t eat, we’d buy the tickets,” Bobbie Margo said. Right after they graduated, Bobbie added, “It was a sacrifice at the time.” Now for any Bible believer, the cause of Christ is greater than the game of football. Yet, each brother or sister might measure his or her spirit of supporting the Lord’s work by the Margo’s devotion to sacrifice money to see football. Marvin even purchased tickets when he occasionally was unable to attend some games. A parallel would be member who always leaves their contribution behind when they take a journey away from home. You might question Bobbie’s judgment about buying football tickets ahead of eating, but you can’t ignore the parallel of Christ’s statement, “...seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33).
Consider how they gave priority to the football season, even planning trips to the Caribbean, Europe and Alaska, so as not to conflict with their devotion to OU football games. Their example seems to be a parallel challenge to never neglect the Lord’s work or worship whenever work, business, or personal pleasure might take us, so that seeking first His kingdom or church services would control our choices (cf. Hebrews 10:25-31).
Consider the fact that Marvin and Bobbie are now homebound at the “Fountains at Canterbury in northwest Oklahoma City,” but they still have their season tickets and watch games on television. It doesn’t take a mental stretch to parallel that faithfulness to the dedicated disciples, who still take the Lord’s Supper at their living quarters, send their contribution for the Lord’s work, and watch the services being telecast from the church building. Such members are surely seeking to keep their priorities in proper perspective.
May each member reading this standard set by Marvin and Bobbie remember that Jesus said, “the sons of this world are for their own generation wiser than the sons of light” (Luke 16:8), and that Jesus gave His blood to purchase, not football tickets, but the church” (Acts 20:28). Pick up the Margo’s example for dedication to a cause, and have a kindred dedication to the cause of Christ! Where have Your priorities been??