The last few days have been a roller coaster ride for me as a sports fan.

Sunday, my beloved Dallas Cowboys lost at Green Bay in the NFL Playoffs.  Monday night, Ohio State’s improbable run finished with a national championship win over Oregon.  Oh, and last night, this happened:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXeOqVbm2Bk&list=UUbz0zzkCzIVFiXkSRMEfREA

Let’s face it – being part of, or cheering for a team that wins is a wonderful feeling.  It stinks to lose. Twitter and Facebook were unbelievable during the OSU game Monday night – the ebb and flow of the game is reflected by the comments and emotions of many fans (like myself). The emotion spills over (hopefully) in a positive way, but that’s not always the case.

Winning is referenced several times by Paul in his letters.  In I Corinthians 9, he reminds us that only one runner can win the race, or as he calls it, the ‘prize,’ but we are to all run as if we plan to win the race.  It’s a good reminder that the effort in our spiritual lives must be like that of the athlete – having the mindset of winning the prize of being called to Heaven for eternity.

Each day we determine the destination of our heart and of our mind, so…do we have a mindset and a “heart set” to strive to make a difference in our world?  To win that prize?  And encourage others to join us on the winning path?  And if we have a bad day, setback, or a loss, do we remember to renew that mindset and remember that, as my Dad likes to say, “there will always be another game?”

Remember, our model is Jesus Christ, the ultimate champion because he defeated death itself!  He wears the victor’s crown!  Fix your eyes on Him and find victory today.

-Joe