Focusing On Why More Than What

Related Scripture:

“One person judges one day to be more important than another day. Someone else judges every day to be the same. Let each one be fully convinced in his own mind. Whoever observes the day, observes it for the honor of the Lord. Whoever eats, eats for the Lord, since he gives thanks to God; and whoever does not eat, it is for the Lord that he does not eat it, and he gives thanks to God.”  - Romans 14:5-6.

Anyone that has been around sports has heard statements like “every game deserves the best, the most important game is the one you’re playing/coaching/officiating right now,” or “treat every play/snap/moment like it’s your last.”  These are all very powerful, very practical, and very real. These ring true for sports officials, especially those following Christ.

Paul reminds and encourages the Corinthian church to focus on the ‘why’ more than the ‘what.’   What day is important, what food you eat, or what human traditions we follow are tantamount to why we do it in the first place. The ‘why’ is for the Lord. The ‘why’ is to honor the Lord. The ‘why’ is to glorify the Lord.

Whether you are working the Super Bowl or your very first game with little kids, honor the Lord. Whether you are an accomplished veteran at your level or struggling to stay on staff, honor the Lord. No game, accomplishment, level, or award is greater than the Lord. He created you, blessed you with the abilities, and made a way for you to be exactly where you are. Serve the creator. Honor the creator. Glorify the creator more than the creation. No matter ‘what,’ know ‘why’!

Questions to Ponder:

Other than the Lord, what is most important to you?

What will you do if/when you glorify something/someone more than the Lord?

Kristopher D. Loving, Sr. - Fellowship of Christian Athletes - Zionsville, IN