![A matchstick lit on fire.](/uploads/2/1/4/4/21449656/862991495.jpg?211)
The match is your life, more specifically, your spiritual life. If you are not saved by God, then how can you bring others to Christ? It’s like the blind trying to lead the blind; both of them end up getting hurt. (Luke 6:39)
Life is a game. How you, the player, plays the game determines who wins or loses. For believers to win the match of life, we must get to Heaven.
God created us. In order to fully receive the best in life, we must listen to Him. In terms of football situations, God is our Head Coach. He knows what’s best, and lays out the game plans and tactics. The Bible is the playbook. It has the instructions for us to follow. Fellow Christians are our teammates. Jesus is our Quarterback. Pastors are our referees, to guide us in the right path.
In order to win the game of life, we must watch our “diet” (actions, thoughts, words) (Phil. 4:8). Not everything in this world is for us to digest. Instead, we must keep our eyes on the prize. We should be living sacrifices that grow daily. Our spiritual lives today shouldn’t be the same as it was yesterday. Likewise, our spiritual life tomorrow shouldn’t be the same as our life today. In the future, we should have a higher level of consecration, or dedication, to God.
When a player is drafted to another team, the player instantly becomes part of the new team. They stop wearing the old jersey. As believers, we should also stop wearing the old jersey of the world, and put on God’s holy jersey.
Consecration is when you constantly strive for God’s will. Just like RG3 continued to play when his knee was injured, we should continue to serve God no matter what happens.
Consecration: sacrificial living
Whenever you desire anything, put God first. Everything about you should be of God. If you hold something back, not letting God have total reign in your life, you’re saying Jesus isn’t worth it. If you keep your money (life, talents, etc) in God’s bank, He’ll use it and add interest. Then, you’ll be blessed. We must be consistent in our Christian life, and not live two-faced.
Consecration: separated living
We are not to let the world influence us. Daniel was in Babylon, but he wasn’t a part of it. We may say God doesn’t look at our outward appearance, but only at the heart. However, He looks at both sides. Our life is a gospel, we should use it to preach about Christ.
To be consecrated, we must pray consistently. Be a person of prayer. We must also read the Word of God. We should hide God’s Word in our heart, so we don’t sin (Ps. 119:11). We must live the life of Christ with our attitude and with grace.
It’s the match of the Christian race. Are you in it to win it?
Further Reading: Romans 12