A few weeks ago the whole world was captivated by the Olympics - including
me.
There is something about watching people give everything they’ve got to
compete at an event they have worked their whole life to be the best at. And it is
obvious to those of us who watch that these athletes have given everything they
have to accomplish their goal of winning an Olympic medal. And it’s also
obvious to just about everyone who watches that if I (or anyone else for that
matter) tried to do the things that these athletes do without the commitment
and discipline that they put into their sport, would fail miserably.
It doesn’t
matter how bad I may want to swim like Michael Phelps or run like Usain Bolt;
if I wasn’t willing to put in the work, I would never get close to my desire.
To be a great Olympian, desire is not enough; it also takes discipline.
I think
the same is true when it comes to our relationship with God.
It’s not enough
for me to just say I want to know God or grow in my relationship with him; it
also takes the discipline of being willing to do something to know him better
and grow in that relationship.
Mark 12:28-30 says that we are to love God with
all our heart, mind soul, and strength.
God wants us to give all of who we are,
not just our desire.
So the question I have for you today is this:
What are you
willing to do to know God better? Is it just something you say or is it
something you’re willing to give all of who you are to accomplish?
This week, will
you be willing to take time out of your day to get in God’s word and spend time
in prayer? Will you be willing to do more than just say you want to know God;
will you actually do something about it?
Olympians don’t win medals without
discipline and commitment, and followers of Christ don’t grow in their
relationships with God without a little commitment and discipline also.
- Brad Snipes
Middle School Pastor, BCC