Scripture Study
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” — Matthew 6:19-21
The Price of Worldly Triumph
This year’s Super Bowl seemed to cause quite a stir with the halftime show—or shows, I guess I should say. There has been a lot said about that, but that wasn’t the thing that caught my attention the most.
What concerned me far more was an interview before the big game with Mike Macdonald, head coach of the Seattle Seahawks. During the interview, he was asked how he balanced his demanding role as an NFL head coach with his family life. Here was his response:
“During the season, there were weeks where I only saw my son for about 30 minutes total. Film sessions, game plans, meetings, pressure, everything that comes with trying to build something special at the highest level.”
I guess if he considers something special to be a Super Bowl championship, then he achieved it. He brought home the Lombardi Trophy.
I realize that statement might contain a bit of hyperbole, but what is the underlying message being sent to the world—or more importantly, to his wife and son? Is winning a championship more important than being present with family during the fleeting years of raising a child?
He is obviously proud of his accomplishments, and understandably so—winning at that level takes immense hard work, focus, and dedication. But at what point do we stop and ask: Is the cost worth it?
What Is Your Super Bowl?
That is a question every single one of us must ask ourselves regularly. Is the cost worth it?
When you come to the end of your life, what do you want the people who knew you best to say about you? Do you want them to talk about your hours at the office and your achievements, or your presence, love, and spiritual impact?
Most of us aren’t choosing between being a present father and an NFL head coach, but each of us faces our own version of that choice.
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What is your Super Bowl?
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What is the earthly prize you are chasing at the expense of the calling God has set right in front of you?
Seeking First the Kingdom
Here is the beauty of walking with Christ: you don’t have to sacrifice your true priorities to live a fruitful life. When you honor God first, He orders everything else.
God exists outside of time. When you make time for Him and prioritize your family first, He gives you the grace, stamina, and time needed for everything else that truly matters. But you have to trust Him enough to let Him define what is actually important.
Don’t trade priceless, eternal relationships for temporary trophies that will eventually gather dust.
Have a great day in Christ,
Matt
