UNPACK this...For NBA FansSample

Living for Game 7 

As sports fans, we love a Game 7 during the Playoffs. When a series gets to that point, the level of excitement, competitiveness, and anticipation escalate until that one game decides it all. 

A player once said in a video montage, “Game 7, this is what you live for.”  Obviously, the intensity rises as teams face one more chance to leave it all on the floor...and players can’t help to embrace the significance of this epic game.

But even though this is a great sports hyperbole to get players pumped before the big game, they will always be disappointed if they truly live for Game 7...and so will we.

Whether our “Game 7” is living for the next big deal at work or the next job promotion or the next vacation, these “important” things don’t usually live up to the hype.

But what if we still enjoyed our "Game 7” and chose not to live for it? What if instead, we decided to live with purpose and meaning, and found lasting value in living for Jesus above everything else? 

The Bible says in Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” 

Also, Romans 14:8 (NLT) tells us, “If we live, it’s to honor the Lord. And if we die, it’s to honor the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.” 

Today, let’s recognize what we are really living for. Are we living for substitutes? Or are we living for the God who created us? I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that! 

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for Your goodness and faithfulness. Forgive me for the things in my life that I place too much importance. Teach me to live for You first, so I can enjoy other aspects of life through the proper lens. Help me to remember that full satisfaction is found in You and that I was created to honor You. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.