Are you playing God to win?

How do you play God?  Do you play God to win or do you just play God to participate?  Do you want the First Place medal or do you want the pretty little ribbon that all of the kids got for simply showing up? 

1 Corinthians 9:24(NKJV)

24Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.

Now obviously I am being a bit facetious.  I don't mean to imply that your faith is some sort of a game.  The issue I want to highlight is how do you approach your faith?  Is it something that you take seriously  and are focused on or is it something that you just show up for on Sundays? 

Those of you who were athletes know what I mean.  It takes a tremendous amount of commitment to compete at the highest levels.  There are fundamentals that you have to master.  It takes a lot of discipline and work.  It takes a time commitment.  It takes passion.  It takes all of these things to be the best!  Or you can just show up on Saturday for the pickup softball game and call it good.

Does it make a difference?  Yes it does in my opinion.   Here is why.

Revelation 2:23(NKJV)

23I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works.

Never noticed this before.  Jesus telling us that He will give to each according to their works.

Jeremiah 32:19-20(NKJV)

19You are great in counsel and mighty in work, for your eyes are open to all the ways of the sons of men, to give everyone according to his ways and according to the fruit of his doings. 

20You have set signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, to this day, and in Israel and among other men; and You have made Yourself a name, as it is this day. 

Notice it’s not each according to his need but each according to his doings.

Revelation 22:12-13(NKJV)

12“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. 

13I am the Alpha and the Omega, the £Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.”

We are all saved by faith by accepting Jesus as out Lord and Savior and that is a great start.  But that is like getting the pretty little ribbon that all the kids got for showing up.  Scripture tells us that our reward will ultimately be determined by the work that we do for Jesus.  If you really want to experience all that God has to offer then play the game to win.   Work hard at it.  Be passionate about it.  As Paul says "Run the race to win!"