Feb. 13 Devotion: Hall of Fame

Hall of Fame

2 Timothy 4:7-8

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: [8] Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Pastor mentioned the Hall of Fame towards the end of his message last week. That has had the wheels in my head turning ever since. When you think of a sports Hall of Fame it is reserved for the best of the best. Those that were the absolute top of their sport.

When our life is over, do we have a desire to be a “Hall of Fame” Christian in the Lord’s eyes? Can we say the same thing that Paul said here to Timothy? Have we fought the good fight or did we keep quiet when things got tough?

Are we finishing our course or have we become apathetic to the times we are in and just coasting our way into heaven?

Are we keeping the faith? Are we making those stands that might cost us friendships? In a time where people want to blur the lines on the things of God, are we standing up for our faith or do we just go along to get along?

A player who makes the Hall of Fame was one who was blessed with talent, but still, they were willing to put the extra time in to make themselves be the best version of themselves they could be! Their focus was just continuing to get better every chance they could.

God has given each one of us what we need to be successful in what God desires out of our lives. Are we doing the most we possibly can with our abilities and opportunities? God will never ask us or lead us to do something that He hasn’t already equipped us for.

However, there are some that are given every opportunity to succeed, but they were too worried about a paycheck. They weren’t concerned about what happened at the end, but instead, they worried more about that instant gratification. No doubt there are Christians today who want to serve for “clicks or likes”. There are some who serve looking to see what they can get out of it. If you want to serve God for a pat on the back, so to speak, you’ll get your reward here as well.

Matthew 6:16

Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

I’m not going to say all, but I’d guess most Hall of Fame players didn’t do all they could for money or fame at the time. They were given an opportunity and wanted to be the absolute best they could be with what they were given. They put in extra time to maximize all they had. You then have others who waste that talent. You will hear athletes say it all the time about another player: They have all the talent in the world if they’d just wake up and realize it.

Which attitude do you have when it comes to serving the Lord? Are you truly doing all you can to maximize everything God has given you? Has God given you all you need to be the Christian He wants you to be and you’ll hear that well done when you get to Heaven or are you satisfied with just being the “Hall of very good”?

God bless,

Bro. Josh Richardson