Committed To Winning

Michael just finished up his second season of football. It was a developmental league where no one actually kept scores of the games. Early on, his question was, "How do we know who wins?" While no team actually wins a game, there is plenty of opportunity for "wins" for each player. The win I wanted for Michael was confidence. I wanted him to be on the field with other guys, playing, having fun, hitting each other and not be self-conscious about his ability to "hold his own".

Up to the last game, the season was OK...no real victory...he did OK...he always second-guessed himself. Then, the last game. Michael intercepted the ball, recovered a fumble, made 3 tackles and scored a touchdown. Unbelievable. As I watched the coaches and other players slapping him on the helmet, and giving him high-fives, I saw his entire demeanor and facial expressions change. He won, and none of us will ever forget it.

As a pastor, I have the opportunity to see these internal "wins" in people's lives every week. Sullen people, weighed down by the challenges of life and sin, responding to the gospel and the freedom Jesus brings. We often ignore these victories and focus on others that are more easily quantifiable (such as attendance). Nothing compares to the win of life-change. I'm committed to it...for myself and alongside others.