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Written by Chris Padgett
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Monday, 09 June 2008 |
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There is a common theme within the sports world: you play to win! Even if it is a middle school baseball game, the kids want to win. And of course any professional athlete is driven by the desire to be number one. They sacrifice family, friends, and their bodies in order to be the recipient of the trophy or bragging rights of being on top. This is no small matter. Sports play a big part in many young people's lives too, even if they aren't good enough to make the varsity or jv team. Wearing the teams colors, attending the games, and the constant sport's banter are in many places the difference between popularity and acceptance or alienation. Being a fan of a sport's team is no small matter either. I have seen the intensity in the eyes of those who are Cubs fans and certainly not White Sox fans. You don't cheer for the Jets if you are into the Giants. You get the point! St. Paul even mentions to us the need to put everything we have into the ultimate race. Greater than the prize that fades, is the gift of eternal life Christ gives to those who run the spiritual race. So while many are upset that the Redwings beat the Penguins this year, are facing discouragement at the Lakers being down two games in the NBA finals, the real question should probably be: how are we doing in the race that is before us? Are we running to win? Are we pursuing Christ as if he were the pearl of great price? Is He the one we cheer for, or are we ashamed of being identified with Him? It is a good day to live for Christ. We have a lot of opportunities to truly make a difference. Play to win!
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