Ok, I’ll stop whining.
Dare 2 Share - With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies. (Psalm 60:12)
In the end, there was only one city that was happy about the whole thing. It started with thirty- then down to twelve, six, four, two, and finally one. Tampa Bay is now celebrating while Oakland is in mourning.
I’ll admit it, I’m a Raiders fan. Have been since I was a little kid. It certainly seemed to me that they were clearly poised to take the trophy back to the Bay area- but as it turns out it ended up going to another bay area kinda south and to the East of California.
So now I have to stew for seven months with images in my mind of the tail whoopin’ that the Bucs put on my boys. Bottom line: it is extremely disappointing when you feel right on the verge of winning the big one, only to find that all the time you were really on the edge of a cliff about to plunge into PSBD (Post Super Bowl Depression).
I wouldn’t wish that feeling on anyone. I invested hours of time and volumes of emotional energy into this season…only to watch it go up in smoke.
Ok, I’ll stop whining. But I am actually trying to make a point here. To be honest, I feel as though there will be thousands if not millions of Christians just like you and me that are quickly heading towards a very depressing day.
Why? Are they supporting the wrong football team?
No. But they are supporting the wrong philosophy of life. You know the one that says money and success will make you happy? The one where you play Super Saint on Sunday, then the rest of the week your mouth and motivations mirror the Murderer himself. Maybe you’re not aware of this, but that team is going down in flames…and since Jesus is coming back before long, it could be sooner than you think!
Here’s a preview:
Now anyone who builds on that foundation may use gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. But there is going to come a time of testing at the judgment day to see what kind of work each builder has done. Everyone's work will be put through the fire to see whether or not it keeps its value. If the work survives the fire, that builder will receive a reward. But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builders themselves will be saved, but like someone escaping through a wall of flames. (I Corinthians 3:12-15)
Does your life show that you are playing for the wrong side? Are you investing in the wood of worldliness, the hay of unholy habits, and the straw of secluded sin? If so, you are quickly headed for PJDD (Post Judgment Day Depression).
The good news is that you can change ‘teams’. Start taking prayer/Bible study seriously. Witness to your unsaved friends. Get involved with church/youth group.
Serve God!
It’s not an easy way to go- but it will be more than worth it when we stand before the Captain of our salvation and we receive not a trophy, but a proud look and these words:
`Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let's celebrate together!' (Matthew 25:21)
I guarantee that celebration will be bigger and longer than any party this puny planet could ever produce!
Questions:
1) Which team would your friends and family say you were on?
2) What is one way you can show your true ‘colors’?
3) How much of your life is actually “wood, hay, and straw”?
