The big news of the sports world is that Michael Vick, a convicted felon who has served his time, has been given a “second chance” to come back to the NFL and play with a team.  Aside from the questions of his ability after being away from the game (particularly since his skills were diminishing before his arrest), the big question is – Does he deserve it?

The short answer is no.  He doesn’t deserve a 2nd chance.  He has no “right” to a 2nd chance.  None of us do.  If we get a 2nd chance it’s not because we “deserve” it, but rather it is the grace of the giver to offer it to us.  No NFL team “had” to give Vick a chance.  Regardless of the pundits that would say keeping Vick out of the NFL would have been collusion on the part of the owners, this isn’t the case.  The Eagles did not have to give Vick a “2nd chance” and in doing so they run the risk of sullying their reputation if he commits another crime.  Tony Dungy, who has been a big supporter of the reformed Vick, has taken a chance by putting his name on the line for him.  There is no right to a 2nd chance here – that chance only comes through the risk and grace of the Eagles and Dungy.   They trust in Vick.  Now he needs to live up to that trust.

To relate this to life in Christ – we certainly do not “deserve” a 2nd chance at life.  We’ve messed it up and God is well within His right to not give us another go round at trying to make it right.  But despite the fact that we have failed to live a life that honors God (and continually to do so), God still gives us another chance.  It’s nothing that we deserve or earn – there is no “right” here.  God, through His grace, takes a chance on us – a chance that despite all that He has done for us we will still seek our own will instead of his.  God gives us another chance – has put His reputation on the line.  Now it’s time for us to live up to His trust in us.