Out-of-this-World Contract
Theme of the Week: Taking the Long View
Jeff Olson
Thursday, October 10, 2002
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Out-of-this-World Contract
Theme of the Week: Taking the Long View
Thursday, October 10
Key Bible Verse: Athletes. … do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize (1 Corinthians 9:25). Bonus Reading:2 Corinthians. 4:14-18
A quarter of a billion dollars. That's how much the Texas Rangers are paying shortstop Alex Rodriguez over ten years to play for them. The numbers break down to something like $25.2 million a season. $155,000 a game; $17,000 an inning; $42,000 every at-bat.
When I heard about the contract, my first thought was Why can't that be me?—a thought that was quickly followed by Can somebody in baseball say "salary cap"? Instead of becoming envious or getting on a soapbox, let's remind ourselves of the bigger picture.
Heaven offers every believer in Jesus Christ a lucrative "contract" too. Consider a few of its terms. First, the length of the contract isn't a mere ten years. It's eternal. Second, the contract can't be measured in monetary terms. It has a value beyond description or comprehension. Third, the health benefits are out of this world. The Bible says "there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain" (Revelation 21:4).
Life this side of heaven continues to have heartache and struggle—a fact that no salary can change. But let's remember that our "troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all" (2 Corinthians 4:17, NIV).
—Jeff Olson in Power Up!My Response: The prize I have my eyes on is. …
Thought to Apply: Our ancestors believed in two worlds [with] this the nasty one. We're the first generation that expects to find happiness here. —Peggy Noonan
Adapted from Sports Spectrum Power Up! (5-6/01) by permission
Copyright © 2002 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.
Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.
September/October 2002,Vol. 5,No. 5
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Eternal Father, put the day I face into the true perspective that You alone can provide.
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