Does Michael Vick Deserve a Second Chance?

You don’t have to be a big sports enthusiast to know about Michael Vick—star quarterback convicted of financing a dogfighting operation that involved the torture and killing of many dogs. He pled guilty and served eighteen months in prison. Last week, the Philadelphia Eagles signed him to a deal, and in a press conference, he reiterated his remorse and “shame” as he sat next to the man of God who has been mentoring him, former coach Tony Dungy.

But a debate has erupted over whether Vick deserves to play again in the NFL. In fact, many are proclaiming already that they will never forget what he’s done and will protest outside of his games.

As I read and listened to the arguments for and against what he “deserves,” I couldn’t help but dwell on that one word. I couldn’t help but think that I don’t “deserve” the life I live either. I haven’t been convicted of a crime, but I can’t begin to count the number of times I’ve sinned against a holy and righteous God. The penalty is clear in the Word of God—death. That’s what I deserve. But God is loving, gracious, and merciful. He says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

But God does even more than that. When we repent, He doesn’t simply forgive us. He also chooses to forget our “crimes” against Him. “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us” (Psalm 103:12). My mind cannot fathom why God would lavish such abundant grace, forgiveness, and mercy upon us. All I can do is lavish upon Him thanks and praise in return.

Does Michael Vick deserve to play in the NFL? Well, no. No more than we deserve the second chances and other blessings that come our way. Maybe he’ll blow the opportunity and do something else crazy. Or maybe this isn’t about Michael Vick at all. Maybe, just maybe, God is setting Himself up to be glorified on a big stage.

What about you? Have you received blessings you didn’t deserve?

Heavenly Father, I praise You, for You are abundant in mercy, love, and grace. Thank You for forgiving me and casting my sins as far as the east is from the west. Thank You for blessing me with eternal life, though I don’t deserve it, and for the countless other blessings You’ve bestowed upon me. May I glorify You with the blessings You’ve given, in Jesus’ name, Amen.