ITS ALL ABOUT WINNING

IT’S ALL ABOUT WINNING!

Phil 3:7-9

7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.

8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

           American football has been elevated to a religion! It’s all about winning! Now, before you stone me as a blasphemer, you need to know that I love the game and played the game as a teen in high school. But the devotion to this sport is, to some, all consuming.

           Chris Norman, heroic outside linebacker for Michigan State, was drafted by three teams after college but he has rejected those offers. He has abandoned the National Football League, along with its riches and glory, so that he can enter seminary to become a minister! All this because he read a book by John Piper called Don’t Waste Your Life! His inspiring testimony can be viewed by clicking on this link. http://www.desiringgod.org/drafted

           The Apostle Paul also gave up a career in the Jew’s religion to become an itinerant missionary and writer of scripture but it was not a book that changed his life. It was an encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus. In telling about his transformation, he mentions all his privileged accomplishments. “A Hebrew of the Hebrews” is what he called himself but he abandoned it all so that he could WIN Christ. It is still all about winning but now the prize is worthy.

           Think about those things that make you stand to your feet, cheer yourself hoarse, and wear your colors. Is your desire to win and the deep disappointment at every loss worth the effort? Paul, after an honest evaluation, counted his former life as rubbish in comparison. His new team became “the righteousness which is of God by faith.”

Dear Lord, remind me from time to time what is truly important. AMEN