Keeping Score?

I used to love to keep score at the Oriole games when I went as a teenager. I would sit out in the bleachers on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, often by myself, and watch intently, tracking every pitch and every player. Even as a player, whether it was basketball, football, or baseball, I would keep personal stats. It was all about the numbers and the awards . . . winning was everything . . . I had to be the best like my heroes were the best. 

Yet since becoming a Christian a Christ-follower, I have seen the good and bad of such intensity. While God indeed wants me to strive for excellence, I must understand that He does not keep score like I do! It is not about the numbers or the trophies, but the effort. It is not about me winning, but God winning. It is not about what I collect, but rather what I give away!

"I tell you the truth, it will be hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven!" . . . The disciples were greatly astonished when they heard this and said, "Then who can be saved?" . . . 

Peter then asks a very normal question that you and I have probably mumbled under our breath at times . . .

"Look we have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?" . . . 

Jesus then responds with comforting words . . .

And whoever has left houses, or brothers or sisters, or father or mother, or children, or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last and the last first.

I don't know about you, but I need this encouragement now and then. How are you keeping score today? Is it how God keeps records? Have we found ourselves comparing ourselves to the world's standards? Let's take a step back and evaluate how we are doing and why we are doing things. Allow God to be the one who gives the rewards!