We're supposed to live holy in every way, every second of the day. Paul compares
this goal to how athletes approach a race. They prepare for the race,
practice self-discipline, put in lots of effort for the race, and do
these consistently. Jesus also teaches we're expected to use what we're given to glorify God. He says we'll be held accountable for that. He says here
that God decides who to give more responsibility to partly based on
what they do with what He's already given them. We will see Him manifest in and around us the more we focus on Him, develop godly character, and serve Him.
Brazillian Jiu Jutsu
is a sport like that with belts (or ranks) given based on amount of
time spent with instructors dedicated to the craft, number of
techniques learned, how well they use what they learn, and results they
get out in the world (i.e. competition). At a Royce Gracie seminar (at Chilcutt's),
I saw a trememndous difference in both abilities and results across
different belts. Most had white belts (lowest) with blue next up. One,
young man with a white belt looked highly committed, performed like a
higher rank, and even patiently taught white belts he wrestled with how
to do better. Sure enough, all the good work he put in with his
training and free time as a white belt earned him a blue belt that very
night from two men that mattered a lot to him: his father, a black belt
and owner of the place; Royce Gracie, a UFC Hall of Famer.
It didn't just happen. He was invited and trained by the grace of his
father. By itself, that wouldn't achieve their goals. He would have to
make every second, every move, of his work in the gym count. He'd be
tested by friends and foes many times on the way to the big test. Far
from over, each test was a step forward in a continuous, lifelong
process toward mastery of his art. His motivation to keep putting the
work in wasn't just personal benefits and long-term rewards. There
might indeed be many. He had also learned this craft from his father
whose image his own works would reflect, proudly or poorly. How he
performed would also reflect the lineage of the Gracies who invented
the art, claimed it got better results than others, and promoted it
worldwide. The gifts they gave him, both talent and opportunities, came
with much responsibility. That he believed in their value, was grateful
for their help, and had been properly equipped for their goals would be
proven by the hard work he put in and the results it got. Their
investment paid off again that night.
Our Father is our God in heaven who created all things. Our purpose,
which we originally failed, is to bear His image on earth in all that
we say or do. Our hearts and works are to properly reflect His name. He
graciously invited us back into His kingdom via the blood of Jesus
Christ, equipped us for such godliness via the Holy Spirit, gave us knowledge via His Word, gave us spiritual gifts to get an edge over the fierce competition, gave training partners via the church, and set a goal
to reach others here on earth. After our initial training, He told us
to put work in daily using what He gave us to fulfill our purpose.
We'll also be tested regularly. When we're
tested, he makes sure the tests are fair, helps us prepare, helps us during the tests, and richly rewards those who pass. Like increasing ranks, the more work we put into serving Him and tests we endure, the more He sanctifies us.
Unlike human lineages and legacies, we join a divine one that He predestined us for. Scripture says God's plan for restoring, transforming, and using us began before the instant of Creation when our Lord Jesus set everything in motion.
If aligned to His Will, the Holy Spirit enables all in that lineage
practicing the craft of holy living to execute that plan. He promises
the results will transform their lives individually. Then, they will
collectively as a group impact the entire world in ways human effort
alone can't achieve. Our Father in return richly rewards us with so
much more than a belt for doing so. The rewards last forever, too. How
much more should we be motivated to please our Father and Creator with
our lives' work than these athletes please their fathers and founders
with theirs!? If we ever start losing motivation, let us remember who we serve, His great works, what He did for us, that He's with us every step of the way, and the hope he set out for our future.
Bonus
We must be willing to surrender all to Jesus. Some athletes reading
this might think they have to give up their pursuits entirely. As they
increase dedication to Jesus, most will spend less time in such worldly
activities. There's more good news, though. If it's not sinful, any
enjoyable things in this world are gifts He's given us to make our
lives more enjoyable. Sports, entertainment, hanging out, creative
endeavors... if it's clean fun, enjoy whichever you like in your spare
time!
We can also bear His image as we participate, share His Gospel with
participants, and do more godly activities (esp the Word and prayer)
with those who are believers. How gracious is He to let us work and
have fun at the same time! :) I'd say we decide specifics by, "Does how
we spend our free time mostly glorify God and bringing others closer to
Him?" If yes, He's probably pleased. If not, pray for His help as you
work to glorify Him more in your life.
Of course, the more free time you put into loving Him and others, the
more He'll work in and through you. I encourage you to dedicate your
lives to God as much as you can. Remember the lesson in the world that
the work you can put in consistently lets you keep your gains. It's
most important that you spend consistent time in His Word, alone with
Him in prayer, and loving and serving others. A consistent walk with
God will grow you spiritually more than occasional, big efforts.
(Read the Gospel, learn to share it, read other essays, or back to home.)