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Daily Devotional: Friday, February 14 - The Hype

“Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you.” — Proverbs 4:25

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Some games transcend culture, becoming more than just sporting events. They’re shared experiences. People tune into the Super Bowl just for the commercials, and March Madness office brackets are practically a tradition, even for those who haven’t watched a single college basketball game all season. I’ve seen people tailgating at stadiums without even knowing the score of the game being played!

Why is that? Because for many, it’s not about who wins or loses; it’s about the hype. They’re drawn to the energy, the excitement and the camaraderie that come with the moment. But they are oblivious to the actual game.

The old adage that “sports mirrors life” is true. Even as Christians, it can be easy to become sidetracked in the hype of the world — chasing success, seeking to fit in with the crowd, or being consumed by things that aren’t of eternal significance.

But unlike the temporary pregame frenzy leading up to a big sporting event, our faith isn’t built on hype; it’s built on an unshakable foundation. God invites us into something far greater than just a moment. He calls us to step out of the bleachers, stop being mere fans, and to get in the game. The absolute best part? He has already won. Jesus has already won the biggest game that will ever be played and the biggest battle that will ever be fought.

Let’s stay laser-focused on the game, running the race with endurance, keeping our eyes on Christ, and playing for the only prize of eternal significance. Everything else? Just a distraction.

— Melissa Motes

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