Commentary: Pat McAfee says he's "in the middle of my journey”

Todd Gaddis

Hell is full of lost souls who know what to do, but just never got around to doing it.”

As a sports fan and follower of Christ, I’ve always taken a keen interest in current/former athletes and their faith journeys; which is why I paid close attention to these comments from a guy who parlayed a respectable NFL career into an extremely lucrative sports analyst gig - ESPN’s Pat McAfee. 

When questioned about his faith in Christ, the Pennsylvania native and former punter described himself as being “in the middle of my journey.” He said that he “loves the thought of Jesus Christ,” though he is not connected with a specific faith practice. 

“I think inevitably I will land there because that’s kind of how I feel right now.” While I’m encouraged by these words, I hope he doesn't wait too long before making that commitment. 

Paul penned, “I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation,” also reminding us to make “the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (2 Corinthians 6:2, Ephesians 5:16 NIV). 

Spotting a short man perched in a sycamore tree, Jesus said, “'Zaccheus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.’ So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.” When the wee little man was converted, “Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house…’”(Luke 19:5,6,9 NIV). Once Phillip explained what the Scriptures said about salvation, the Ethiopian eunuch wasted no time making a commitment. Seeing water nearby, he was even ready to be baptized (see Acts 8:26-39). 

Unfortunately, it doesn't always work that way. This brings to mind a fable I read about the time Satan assembled a group of his henchmen. His intent was to send them out to turn the hearts of men and women away from spiritual matters. When he asked for suggestions, a demon came forward and said, “I will tell the children of men that there is no heaven.”

Satan responded immediately, “They will not believe you, for there is a little bit of heaven in every human heart; and in the end everyone knows that right and good must have the victory. You may not go.”

A second volunteer came forward, darker and more foul than the first. When asked for a strategy, the demon replied, “I will tell them there is no hell.” The devil scowled, saying, “Oh no, they will not believe you. For in every human heart is a conscience; an inner voice that testifies that not only will good be triumphant, but that evil will be defeated. You may not go.”

When one last henchman, the nastiest of them all, stepped forward, Satan asked, “And if I send you, what will you say to women and men to help bring destruction to their souls?” When the demon said, “I will tell them there is no hurry,” the devil quickly gave the order, “Go!”

Hell is full of lost souls who know what to do, but just never got around to doing it. According to the Bible, “The complacency of fools will destroy them” (Proverbs 1:32).

Robert Moffett, the 19th-century Scottish missionary, said: “We have all eternity to celebrate our victories, but only one short hour before sunset to win them.” Commit to Christ, without delay, and enjoy the abundant and eternal life that only He can offer. If you’ve made that decision, help bring another into the fold. 

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Todd Gaddis is a semi-retired minister living in Athens. He continues to serve as an interim pastor and can be reached at jtoddgaddis@gmail.com.