“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.”

1st Corinthians 9:24-25

The Super Bowl has always been part spectacle and part sporting event. It captures the attention of our culture and helps us consume more calories than we ought in a single sitting. As I shared with Prince of Peace yesterday, according to the Internet (so it must be true) 12 millions pounds of chips were consumed yesterday during the game. I made a cheese dip and Emery told me that it helped her consume one pound all by herself. HA!

The drama of last nights game was over pretty early. The blow out took me back to all the Super Bowl games of my youth when the play on the field was more of a snooze fest than anything. Even the commercials, for the most part, were lack luster for my taste. But here is the thing that captures my heart at the end of every season. It is the emotion and the release that athletes experience as the final whistle blows. It is the culmination of a season of work, sacrifice, and discipline. The realization as the champions have accomplished the goal they dreamed and worked towards since the final whistle the year prior.

As many know, my team won the college football playoff earlier this year. So I’ve been captured by the stories and the emotions of young men who work together in the crucible of competition. I think this is why I love sports. Not just because of the physical feats that drop jaws and astound us with their improbability. Those moments make for must watch TV. But it is the way that sport and completion taps into a depth of our shared human story that keeps me coming back for more.

It’s been a long time since I laced up my shoes and ran up and down the hardwood. I played basketball for most of my younger years, even playing at the collegiate level for a short stint. As a faithful fan of my team, I have an appreciation for the work that goes in each week between games. I know what conditioning is because I remember nearly passing out on the sidelines after gassers. I have an awareness of it. But, it is out of sight and out of mind. I have no clue the amount of time, effort, energy, and focus that hight level athletes invest in the preparation.

Instead, I tune in on Saturday or Sunday with a bowl full of chips and a drink in my hand. I’m invested with my heart. But I have not put in any of the work. Of this I am mostly oblivious.

I think this is why I love the post championship moments. In those moments, I still don’t know the extent of the blood, sweat, and tears these athletes have put in. But, I can’t help but be moved as I see them achieve their goals and experience the payoff for all of that that work and sacrifice.

As Paul writes in 1st Corinthians, he is giving us a glimpse into the self-discipline and the calling that athletes subject themselves to in order to win the race, the game, or the match. Ask any coach how much time they put in to winning with their team and you will hear stories of workaholic hours and obsessive tendencies. A singular goal prioritizes every activity, action, and hour. This is the athlete’s life today. This is what coaches demand and expect of their team.

Paul challenges you and me to embrace our life of faith with the same tenacity, focus, and energy. Trophies become tarnished. Their place in the collective consciousness of society is short lived. Sure, trophies and championships are permanent, but they are fleeting as well. Not so in our life of faith. A life well lived in walking with Jesus is never wasted and never fleeting.

What would it look like if we dove deeper into our life of faith? What would the impact be if we pursued our faith in Christ like the Super Bowl champs approached their season? Do you think it would matter if you stepped into the discipline of daily bible reading and application of the Word of truth? What would the impact be if you stepped beyond your comfort zone and developed intentional faith focused conversation with a trusted friend? How would your life be different if you leaned in, each day, to the transformative power of the Spirit to develop a plan to turn away from sinful habits and behaviors?

I started playing volleyball last summer. Ember plays and we had some opportunities to play together. It was super fun, I wasn’t awful, and it was quality time with good people. As the weather is starting to turn her in Georgia, I just got invited to join a volleyball league this Spring. I’m hopeful it will work with my schedule. But, more than that, I also need to step away from my couch sitting ways and start to get my body moving. If I don’t, it won’t move for a good week after the first time I play again. I want to play volleyball. But, it will take some discipline to be able to do it successfully.

The same is true in our faith. Have you been sitting on the couch for a little too long when it comes to your faith and walk with Jesus? Are you feeling a nudge to take a step out into the deeper waters with Christ? I don’t think you or I will ever win the MVP in the Super Bowl. But, we can learn a thing or two from Jalen Hurts about the focus and discipline it takes to walk faithfully each day towards our goal.

What is the goal? Well, the goal of a life in Jesus is one that will never tarnish. It never fades. It is walking with Christ and sharing the Good News of His love with others.

Time to get stretching, there is a goal to chase.

How do you define abundant Life?