Living for Game 7

As sports fans, we love a Game 7 during the playoffs. When a series gets to that point, the level of excitement and competitiveness are escalating and one game decides it all. This creates great pressure and anticipation for both teams. Before watching my Charlotte Hornets take on the Miami Heat in the deciding game yesterday, I caught a pregame video montage where I heard a player say, “Game 7, this is what you live for.” As much as I love the idea of a Game 7 matchup, the game was a huge letdown for the Hornets and fans. Their season has come to an end and their final game has left me feeling frustrated. Not only did they lose, but the game didn't live up to the hype. "Game 7, this is what you live for" is a great sports hyperbole that gets us pumped before the big game, but if it was true and that's what we live for, then we'd be even more disappointed today. My guess is that most of us have our own "Game 7" when it comes to what we live for. We can fill in the blank with something that gets us hyped such as the next big deal at work, or next promotion, or next vacation, or even the next weekend. We live for things that are fun, but usually, they struggle to really live up to the hype. But what if we decided to live with purpose and meaning while finding lasting value beyond our “Game 7”? What if we still enjoyed our "Game 7," but didn't live for it? I believe, the sooner we realize it’s better to live for Jesus above anything else, the sooner we can fully enjoy the life He offers us. The Bible says in Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” Also, Romans 14:8 (NLT) says, “If we live, it’s to honor the Lord. And if we die, it’s to honor the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.” As we begin another week, let’s recognize what we are really living for. Are we living for substitutes...or are we living for the God who created us? I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for Your goodness and faithfulness. Forgive me for the things in my life that I place too much importance on. Teach me to live for You first, so I can enjoy other aspects of life through the proper lens. Help me to remember that full satisfaction is found in You and that I was created to honor You. I pray this in Jesus’ name, amen.