The Champion of the World!

• Matthew 25:21 (NKJV) His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant…

We live in a competitive age and we start early.  One of the biggest competitors I have as a pastor is sports events.  Virtually every Sunday and Wednesday I have people absent because they or most likely their children are involved somewhere in a tournament or competition of some sort.

Just when I get through football seasons I’m looking at the basketball playoffs and as soon as that’s over baseball will be in full swing…and on it goes. 

This competitive drive is evident in all facets of life.  Sometimes it seems that our whole purpose in life is to do more, be more, learn more, go more, produce more, get more…it’s exhausting.

In the interest of fairness let me state that this is not all bad.  The desire to compete, excel, win and even be number one can be a worthy and noble goal.

However I was stopped in my tracks recently by the words of Jesus when he rewarded his servants.  He said: “Well done, good [not better or best] and faithful servant.”

Could it be that we are doing ourselves and our children a great disservice when we make winning the standard of success.  It’s not necessary to compare in order to commend.  

Here is the question of the day: When you come to the end of your days and you have nothing but death to look forward to and nothing but memories to look back upon, what will you need to see in order for you to come to the conclusion, “My life was a success”?

If it is being number one, chances are you’ll be disappointed.  If it’s being good and faithful…now that’s something you and me both can do, by God’s grace.