Three Pointer

In honor of the Lakers winning the NBA Championship, I wanted to do another basketball related post. So, here it is.

Through out the college and NBA basketball season, there are always a handful of great games that come down to the final few seconds. Often times, the game will be tied or one team will be ahead by a point, and the outcome will hinge on one final play.

All that the team with the ball needs is a single 2 point basket to win the game or, at least, send it into overtime to give that team another chance to win the game by playing another 5 minutes. However, instead of going for the 2 point shot, it seems that, inevitably, the "star" of the team takes the ball behind the 3 point arc and throws up some crazy, ESPN highlight reel worthy, shot. Most of the time, they miss it, but the one in ten times they make it, the highlight is posted all over the sports websites and television.

In Ministry, I think a great deal can be learned from this lesson in sports. To risk it all, at the sake of our team, to possibly get a clip on SportsCenter, to me, is just selfish. But, so is doing anything with our only motivation being to bring ourselves glory. As Christ followers, we are called to bring all the glory to him, not ourselves. It is difficult sometimes. When an opportunity presents itself for us to get some glory, it is hard to pass that up. But, when we do pass up that chance, it means there is more glory going to Jesus, the one that truly deserves it.