Play to Win!

In a race all the runners run. But only one gets the prize. You know that, don’t you? So run in a way that will get you the prize. All who take part in the games train hard. They do it to get a crown that will not last. But we do it to get a crown that will last forever. (1Corinthians 9:24-25)

Not enough to get there to the game . . . Not enough to just get saved as a CHRISTian! Play to WIN . . . Live to Win! Here’s what Ray Lewis said to the team in the locker room following the double overtime win in Denver last winter:

“If you don’t know David’s story about fighting Goliath, he didn’t walk up to fight him. He ran up to Goliath. He moved swiftly to make Goliath off balance before he hit him with the slingshot. This is our time. And, when we make up our minds to do things together as men, anything is possible. Nothing can stand before us. Not Goliath. Nothing. Let’s enjoy this ride. This is our time. This is Ravens time.”

What do people say about us as believers? . . . About you as young people? Trophies are nice. Awards are encouraging. However, it is what we people know about our character that really counts. It what God knows about us that matters for eternity! • We must get in the game. • We have to PLAY the game! • We have to play hard! Jesus was no wimp! He did everything with compassion and purpose.

So I am asking you to offer up your bodies to him while you are still alive. Your bodies are a holy sacrifice that is pleasing to God. When you offer your bodies to God, you are worshiping him. 2 Don’t live any longer the way this world lives. Let your way of thinking be completely changed. Then you will be able to test what God wants for you. And you will agree that what he wants is right. His plan is good and pleasing and perfect. (Romans 12:1-2)

In the end, it’s not whether we win or lose (Lombardi Trophy). In fact, we have already won the battle if we have committed to the Lord! So it really is HOW WE PLAY THE GAME! What is being said of you today? If I ask your friends and family what would they say about you? What will be said of any of us when life is over on earth? What is God saying?

I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. (2 Timothy 4:7)