The Regular Season Mindset

Well, the Warriors did it - they made history last night with their 73rd win! With such an impressive accomplishment, I think the players, coaches, owner, and general manager all deserve a ton of credit. The regular season has ended and their names will be in the record books for what they achieved this year. However, the prize at the end of the playoffs is what truly matters - an NBA championship. Breaking the record was truly remarkable, but did the Warriors lose sight of the ultimate prize by going all-in before the playoffs…and will it end up costing them the championship? This successful team may still wind up winning the title again this year, but the idea of putting too much emphasis on the regular season at the expense of a playoff run is a worthy discussion. This thought process reminds me of the tension we face in our own lives. Do we place too much importance on earthly pursuits at the expense of living for Jesus and having an eternal mindset? Are we so focused on what we see or what we feel in the moment that we forget to have the perspective of what matters for eternity? Do we put a higher value on personal accomplishments and immediate rewards instead of what matters to God? The Bible says in, Matthew 6:19-21 (NLT), “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.” Colossians 3 (NLT) also challenges us to “Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.” While we live on this earth we can still pursue great things, but if it costs us an impact on eternity, then what’s the point? God wants us to enjoy Him now and for eternity, and we should desire to be used by Him for His glory in ways that ultimately matter. Jesus offers us eternal life through Him...He is the prize worth seeking. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, forgive me for focusing on worldly things that have no eternal value. Please help me seek You with all of my heart, and set my sights on eternity. Guide me in making the most of my time here on earth, accomplishing Your will, and enjoying all that You desire me to do. Thank You for eternal life through Jesus. In His name, I pray, Amen.