May 2, 2011 - It's the playoffs Y'all - time to step up!

One of the things I have disliked about the NBA in the past is the players that would readily admit that they played harder during the playoffs than in the regular season. I just couldn’t understand why they would not give their all during every game they step on the floor. Yet as I get older I understand a bit more about what they are saying…

They are not saying that they do not try during the regular season but instead that they understand the need to pace themselves and the position themselves to be mentally and physically ready when the stakes raise in the playoffs. The simple truth of the matter is that once they hit the playoffs the end is near. Once they hit the playoffs every opponent is a strong opponent. Once they hit the playoffs it is a battle!

In this crazy world we live in we need to understand some simple truths. First is that every day we are closer to the end. Second is that our opponent is strong and ruthless (you know “lion…roaming…seeking…devour!) Therefore we are in a battle!

The book of Romans gives a very straight forward challenge:

Romans 13: 11 And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. 12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. 13 Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.

13: 11-14But make sure that you don't get so absorbed and exhausted in taking care of all your day-by-day obligations that you lose track of the time and doze off, oblivious to God. The night is about over, dawn is about to break. Be up and awake to what God is doing! God is putting the finishing touches on the salvation work he began when we first believed. We can't afford to waste a minute, must not squander these precious daylight hours in frivolity and indulgence, in sleeping around and dissipation, in bickering and grabbing everything in sight. Get out of bed and get dressed! Don't loiter and linger, waiting until the very last minute. Dress yourselves in Christ, and be up and about! (The Message)

In other words, spiritually speaking, it’s the playoffs y’all. It is time to step up!