In the film Facing the Giants, coach Grant Taylor played by Alex Kendrick, is stuck in a rut. Staring at another mediocre season and concerned about getting fired, Grant turns to the Lord, praying for a possible solution. After a sleepless night, this coach receives a revelation from God. This answer reveals a new team motto, giving God your very best.
They came to him and said, “Teacher, we know that you are a man of integrity. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?- Mark 12:14
Prior to his crucifixion, Jesus faced an onslaught of questions from religious leaders. Their goal was to trick Jesus with a series of hypothetical scenarios to publicly stump him. This leads me to Jesus’ response to whether or not Jews should pay taxes. The answer is priceless; not a Master Card commercial. Rather, these words of wisdom speak to a greater truth. Dedicating your life to the One who has instilled within you special gifts and talents.
They brought the coin, and he asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?” “Caesar’s,” they replied. Then Jesus said to them, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” And they were amazed at him, Mark 12:16-17.
In a society that loves to keep score, sometimes your best is overshadowed by the winner or winners. In fact, some may get discouraged, starting to think that you’re efforts are worthless or a failure. Despite what others may do or say, Coach Taylor’s message to his team applies today to everyone. Don’t let a lack of recognition stop your quest of discovering God’s will. Instead, be still, mediate on the Bible and ask the Holy Spirit to spur you on to give God your best, your very best.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 