Regardless of how you feel about Ray Lewis, his impact upon his team is indisputable. Like him, or hate him, the Baltimore Ravens would not be World Champions without him, and many of his teammates would still be searching for a ring. Though I don’t endorse Lewis’ record over the years, I believe there is much to learn about the sacrifice, dedication, inspiration, and passion the 2-time Super Bowl champion brings to his team. Here are some interesting thoughts from the interview above…

1. Never stop loving the game.

Ray Lewis was the oldest football player on the field in Sunday’s game. It’s rare that a player at his position plays this game at this level for 17 years, and yet he’s still playing with the same passion and contribution of a warrior in his prime. I’m sure Ray Lewis’ 37-yr old body needs more time to prepare and recover than it did when he was 25. But what keeps him paying the price? His love for the game! When you are no longer paying the price for the team, you are no longer a part of something bigger than yourself.

2. To be a part of a GREAT team, you’re going to have to OUTDO someone.

Ray Lewis’ defenses over the last 17 years have consummately been at the top of the NFL. And his motto is this: “If you want to be a great defense, beat me to the football.” Now let’s clarify some theology here, we are not to be outdoing one another for selfish purposes. But there is at least one passage in scripture where we are challenged by Paul to “outdo” one another. And here it is…

• (Romans 12:9-11 ESV) Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.

Become a person who beats others to the ball in showing honor and putting the interests of others above yourself.

3. My contribution is not valued by my talent, but what I’m willing to sacrifice.

Ray believed that 24 teams overlooked his talent, but none of them could look into his heart and know the amount of sacrifice he was willing to give over such a long and decorated NFL career. I will take commitment over talent any day of the week. Talent doesn’t change the world – commitment to a great cause will. At the end of your life, when it all adds up, your contribution to the world will not be measured by the talent God gave you to use, but rather the sacrifice you gave to a great cause.

4. Pay the price to get wiser.

Ray made some bad decisions early in his life. “If I would’ve known what I know now… back then, I would’ve made different decisions,” he said. “Before I make decisions now, I think about them 80 times before making them.” Wisdom comes with a price but it has incomparable benefits.

• (Proverbs 3:13-18 ESV) Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life (gives life to others) to those who lay hold of her; those who hold her fast are called blessed.

No wonder the Bible says that wisdom is the principal thing!

5. Keep your eyes on the confetti.

Ray looked at a photo of himself from the Super Bowl twelve years ago. He looked beyond his own face to the confetti in the background, pointing out that what he thinks about most this time around is his teammates: Ray Rice, Joe Flacco, Ed Reed, Anquan Boldin. He said it’s all about personal relationships and helping others experience what they haven’t. Never lose sight of the fact that others need to go where you have been. Are you passionately driven by God’s love to help them experience the confetti? Ray Lewis already had a ring, but he was driven to help others experience what he had experienced. Do it for the next generation!