Serving proudly since 1873 as the beautiful Nebraska Panhandle's first newspaper

Super Bowl Sunday

Last Sunday was another Super Bowl Sunday, and once again millions of Americans watched he big game. They saw the Tampa Bay Buccaneers crowned the World Champions of professional football. The victorious players and coaches are now famous, and will enjoy the financial rewards of winning it all. The new champions will also receive those coveted Super Bowl Rings which will always identify them as being among the best of the best.

The Super Bowl champs have reached their highest goal in the world of professional sports. However, in just a few weeks or months, most of us will not care. That is not a cynical response to the world of sports; it is just a reality of life. The impressive accomplishments of most of those elite athletes on a football field will soon be forgotten or even unknown by most of the world.

The same can also be said for many of our own accomplishments in life. Even the most impressive things we accomplish may not be remembered for very long. Our present “fame and fortune” can disappear quickly. That is not a cynical view of life; it is just a reality. However, those who of us who have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and are living our lives for Him can do things that will be remembered for eternity. The value of our accomplishments in this life can be eternal.

In the Bible the Apostle Paul used the illustration of professional athletes who train hard and compete to win. The prize or crown they win is of temporary value, as in the case of those Super Bowl athletes. The Apostle Paul said: “They do it to get a crown that will not last…” However, the Apostle went on to say this about committed Christians who strive to live their lives for Jesus Christ: “…we do it to get a crown that will last forever.” (1 Corinthians 9:25)

In other words, those of us who love God and live for Him are accomplishing great things of eternal value. Some day we will receive heavenly rewards that will last forever. Our service to Christ will never be forgotten. Even our most simple acts of service will be eternally rewarded in heaven. As Jesus said: “…if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward.” (Matthew 10:42)

So those Super Bowl athletes and everyday people like us should make this challenge from the Bible our ultimate goal in life: Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. (Colossians 2:23-24)

Pastor Doug Birky

Evangelical Free Church

 

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