Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Upward and Onward

Our Upward Basketball and Cheerleading ministry began its new season last Saturday, with teams playing their first games and cheerleaders leading the fans in their first cheers. It was a blessing - you’ve never seen basketball in its purest form until you’ve seen it played by elementary school students.

The reality, though, is that this was not the beginning of the Upward season. Teams have been practicing for several weeks, learning skills and teamwork to get ready for that first big game. Most organized sports are that way, teams practice for hours and hours to prepare themselves for that one moment when they get the ball and shoot the basket.

The Bible often uses sports analogies to describe the life of the believer. Paul must have been a sports fan - he has a clear understanding of the athlete’s preparation.

1 Corinthians 9:24-25 (NIV)
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.

Be encouraged. Live your life in Christ to the fullest this week. Run a great race!