God's Assignment

Football season ignites a unique flame in people!  No other sport – neither basketball, hockey, soccer, even [my personal favorite] baseball – draws the same level of adrenaline in its fans!  Dedicated, committed, passionate, enthusiastic, eager, avid, fierce, fanatical and zealous -- all these words describe the true football fan!  And, ‘tis the Season!

 

God has given all Believers a mandate, a command, an assignment: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15).  Mr. Bill and I are grateful our boys finished high school and [varying degrees] of college, but it wasn’t without some prodding by parents, teachers, and coaches.  I’m not sure which “prodder” actually carried the most weight, but I suspect it was a combination of player eligibility and keeping some personal privileges.  What exactly is required in our study habits of Scripture?  I often pray for that "hunger and thirst for righteousness" (Matthew 5:6a), but never seem to experience the promise of satisfaction (Matthew 5:6b) apart from quiet moments and an open Bible!  Paul challenges young Timothy (and us) to be serious about studying Scripture!  It's not just the completion of God's assignment (obedience); God's Truth changes us from within and we "... shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all Your commandments." (Psalm 119:6).  We can learn much from football fans: Christians are commanded to be dedicated, committed, passionate, enthusiastic, eager, avid, fierce, fanatical and zealous about God's assignment.  'Tis the season ... always!