“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God …” — 1 Timothy 6:17
TRANSFORMATION, NOT DESTINATION
The 2018 NBA Finals begin tonight and once again the matchup features the Golden State Warriors against the Cleveland Cavaliers. This is the fourth straight season where LeBron James’ Cavs and Steph Curry’s Warriors will do battle. I often think about what we will remember about this time in the NBA, where you have two teams dominating for such a long stretch. Will we remember single moments or will we simply remember the journey it took for both of these teams to achieve and accomplish something that hasn’t been done since Bill Russell’s Celtics in the 1950s and ’60s?
In talking to many athletes over the years, when I’ve asked them about the highlights of their career, many will point to a particular game or series. But often, they’ll tell me it was more about the journey than a specific game or moment. The hours of training, sacrifices that were made and travel they went through are all a part of this sports journey and many athletes miss that most when they retire.
In our Christian faith, it can be very similar. It’s about the journey.
As you talk with seasoned men and women of faith, they will share with you that it was their journey that they appreciate the most. Sure, there are always going to be highs and lows, but the journey is what makes it beautiful.
Most people see salvation as “fire insurance” for Heaven. It’s like they think they have the golden ticket to live their life however they choose. And yes, in many ways, salvation is admission to the next life, but the Christian faith is so much more than just checking boxes and getting that ticket to Heaven. It’s a transformational process that takes place within us through a relationship with Jesus Christ. And one day, when it’s all said and done, our journey will continue in Heaven with our Lord and Savior.
Enjoy the journey.
– Jason Romano
If you would like to submit a reader devotional, please email all submissions to jason@sportsspectrum.com.
