Coaches warn players all the time about what their lack of work will cost them. Every program and coach has at least one story of the incredibly talented player who never became what he should have become, all because he decided he’d rather not work at the game. In the process, he cost himself a chance at whatever level of baseball his talent would have afforded him.
We all lament the guy who doesn’t make it at this level or the next because he doesn’t work.
He doesn’t get it until it’s too late, if he gets it at all.
Proverbs 6:10-11 puts it this way: “A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest–and your poverty will come in like a vagabond, and your need like an armed man.”
The guy with talent who doesn’t work sees no problem with what his is or isn’t doing. It’s just “a little sleep,” just a little laziness. How much can that hurt, really? Then, one day he’s coaching his own kids and it dawns on him that his coach was right all along.
Tragic. But not most tragic.
Sure, a guy missing out on the baseball career he might have had is a big deal to those of us who love the game. But, what’s more tragic is that odds are the same guy will have missed out on the life he could have had.
He didn’t care to become disciplined in the game, but worse, he didn’t give himself to those who could have helped him become disciplined in life. After all, what’s a little sin? What’s a little sowing of the wild oats? After all, I’m young. None of this stuff will matter in ten years.
Tragic. He doesn’t know that his underdeveloped character is a sign that his heart is far from God. And, one day, when he needs it most, he won’t have what and who he needs inside for the challenges off the field that adult life is sure to bring.
Today matters. Your character is being built, for better or for worse. Jesus offers the chance to be made new and to let him be your character-builder. One day, you’ll realize how right he’s been all along.
Lord Jesus, deconstruct me and replace my life with yours. Fill me with your Spirit. Give me your wisdom. Build me to be just like you. Amen.
