Doing Right

Jojo Villa

READY

“Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.” — Romans 12:11

SET

My college basketball coach was a drillmaster who ran our team with intelligence and consideration and clockwork precision and exactitude. He demanded our best. His practices were grueling, designed to stretch and strengthen us. None of my teammates dared to sleep late or stay out partying.

Our teammate Michael was one of the best players out of high school and a most sought-after recruit. But he had an attitude. He missed practices and came up with different excuses: his mother got sick, he had a toothache, his father needed his help in the family business, or his car broke down. He was pretty creative. Our coach tried to be patient with Michael because he knew that Michael had not been disciplined appropriately by his high school coach.

One day, while our team was deep in a huddle, Michael came in late. He said that he had to rush his grandmother to the emergency room. Our coach, sensing that something wasn’t right, stood up and told our team that practice was canceled so we could all visit Michael’s grandmother, who needed our love and support.

Michael fell on his knees, confessing that he had lied about his grandmother.

We can come up with many excuses in sports and life because we want things done easily and without effort. Yet, many of the things worth doing require hard work. We are to reach the goal of our calling in sports—to finish well the work that God has prepared for us to do. God calls us to do the right things, but He also equips us to do things right.

GO 

• Do you find yourself tempted to do what is easy instead of what is right? 
• How can God help you to do better?

WORKOUT

Colossians 3:17; Colossians 3:23–24; Proverbs 23:26

OVERTIME

"Lord, help me to overcome the temptation of being lazy and mediocre. Lead me toward a life of excellence and honor that I would do what is pleasing to Your eyes. Thank You, Lord, that You who began a good work in me will be faithful to complete it. Amen."