By Guest Contributor, Mike Burch

The Boston Bruins made history in the 2022-23 regular season, breaking the single-season record for points with 133 and eclipsing the previous win record of 63.

They finished the regular season with an impressive record of 64-12-5, boasting the best penalty-kill percentage at 87.1%. The team scored 296 goals and allowed only 170 goals against, showcasing their dedication, perseverance, and unity throughout the season.

The Bruins worked hard all year as they strived for excellence which prepared them for what comes next. As head coach Jim Mongomery put it, “Being able to stay focused and learn how to win when chasing records is the closest thing you can do, when you’re having a season like us, to prepare for the playoffs.”

Despite having the most successful NHL regular season ever, the Bruins’ players and coaches remain humble and focused on their ultimate goal: winning the championship.

The playoffs begin tonight as they take on the Florida Panthers and one headline on Fansided reads, “Boston Bruins Ultimate Prize in 2023 is Capturing the Stanley Cup.”

As Christians, we should strive for excellence in our work, relationships, and personal growth, as we pursue what matters most, and prepare for what comes next.

This attitude echoes the words of Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV), which reminds us to work wholeheartedly for the Lord in all we do: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

In order to do this well, similar to the Bruins, we must keep our eyes on the prize. For us, that’s Jesus and remembering that our ultimate goal is to know Him and become like Him.

Paul says in Philippians 3:14 (NIV), “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” 

As the Boston Bruins continue their journey towards the ultimate prize in hockey (the Stanley Cup), we can draw a parallel to our pursuit of eternal life with Christ.

While the Stanley Cup represents the pinnacle for professional hockey players, our heavenly prize is the pinnacle for those of us in Christ.

The ESV Study Bible explains “the prize” as “the fullness of blessings and rewards in the age to come, most especially being in perfect fellowship with Christ forever.”

The pursuit of the Stanley Cup requires dedication, discipline, and sacrifice. These traits are also necessary for our spiritual journey before we get to Heaven.

Hockey players endure rigorous training, face challenges, and overcome obstacles to achieve their goals. Similarly, Christians must persevere through trials and tribulations, maintaining our faith in Christ, following His teachings, glorifying God, and serving His kingdom.

However, it is crucial to remember that while the Stanley Cup is earned through effort and determination, our heavenly prize cannot be earned by our works.

Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV) states, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works so that no one can boast.”

Our salvation is a gift from God, given by His grace and through our faith in Jesus Christ. Christ’s sacrifice on the cross has already paid the price of our admittance to Heaven.

As we strive for excellence in our lives, let’s not forget that our ultimate reward comes from our faith in Jesus and His redemptive work on our behalf.

While we can learn from the efforts of the Boston Bruins, we must keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author, and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2), who gives us the ability to be excellent and has secured the eternal prize for us.

In our daily struggles and challenges, let’s continue to commit ourselves fully to our work, communities, and personal growth, knowing we serve a greater purpose in Christ.

I’m Mike Burch and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for the example of the Boston Bruins and their pursuit of excellence. Help us to remember that in all we do, we are working for You and not for other people. Please give us the strength, dedication, and perseverance to strive for excellence in every aspect of our lives. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

FURTHER READING: 

1 Corinthians 9:24-27; Ecclesiastes 9:10; 2 Timothy 4:7