What would Ted Lasso do?

For anyone who has watched the popular Apple TV show, this is an easy answer. Ted would be upbeat. Ted would say some motivational words. Ted would face adversity and rise above. Occasionally Ted might show some of his own emotional baggage, but in most situations, he would still maintain the belief that people are good.

One of the reasons that people have fallen in love with the show is because Ted Lasso is a sincere and optimistic person who doesn’t let challenges deter him. He taught his players to “Be a Goldfish” so that they develop a short-term memory when it came to their losses. He hung a “Believe” sign in the locker room to remind them to believe in themselves and each other. Ted talks to everyone and treats each person like they are significant. Ted Lasso inspires us to be better and shows us how to do it.

But the problem is that Ted Lasso isn’t supposed to be the model of how to be a light; believers are! By trusting in a loving God who is working all things – including hard times- together for our good, we should be hopeful and optimistic when hard times come our way. But more often than not, we don’t respond any different than unbelievers. We are surrounded by people overwhelmed by life, and we are just as stuck as they are. We don’t connect with Paul, who was in prison when he wrote Philippians and told the church multiple times to rejoice. James 1:2 tells us to “Consider it all joy when we endure trials and tribulations” and we can find nothing joyful about suffering and hardship.

This is why it is easier for people to look to Ted Lasso than the Christian community to find inspiration. If our response and happiness doesn’t look any different than theirs, they see no reason to pursue a relationship with Jesus. The irony is that Jesus is the better version of Ted Lasso. He spent his life in the nitty gritty showing people how to have love, compassion and to turn the other cheek. He also showed us true love and humility by dying for our sins.

The popularity of Ted Lasso shows us that the world is hungry to be taught how to be hopeful and upbeat in the face of a challenge, how to inspire others and make a difference. 2 Corinthians tells Christians that we are the “aroma of Christ” to those around us meaning that our lives will convey something to everyone we meet. The more that we share joy and hope, the better our witness. This means, though, that Christians have to look different and respond differently than the world.

The way we do that is to believe and live what the Bible tells us –

Romans 8:28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good,[h] for those who are called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?

Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

A simple way to summarize it:

God uses all things - bad and good work – to give us his best. Don’t stress; give thanks and pray. Trust in who God is and you will have peace. This will protect you from a roller coaster of doubt and uncertainty.

The last 5 years have been a long season of trial and suffering for my family as my husband has struggled with chronic severe headaches. He has had other complications including a debilitating case of mono and extreme anxiety. Nothing challenges your faith in a good God like seeing someone you love suffer. I speak from experience that the only way to get off the roller coaster of doubt is to anchor yourself to the promises we find in the Bible, pour out your heart to the Lord and find comfort in a community of believers.

The more trust and faith we have in the Lord, the more we will be a light to a dark and hurting world. Ted Lasso shows us that they want someone to believe in and Jesus is who we can give them.

Note: Ted Lasso may have heartwarming and funny moments, but it is also filled with profanity and vulgarity. This is not a show you watch with your family.