Play Smart

I coached a young man at one point in my career that no one could ever possibly criticize for not playing hard. When this kid hit the floor, he was a whirling dervish- arms flailing wildly in every direction- a blur of motion and energy who was totally committed to every play as if it might be his last time ever touching a basketball................ and if it were............ He was determined to go out in a blaze of glory. Unbridled Passion can be a dangerous thing. When Jesus sent His disciples out to preach the message, "The Kingdom of Heaven is near" His warning to them was, "I am sending you out like sheep among wolves, therefore be shrewd as snakes, but as innocent as doves" Shrewdness harnesses and directs passion. There is direction behind the energy. Play Hard- Yes!!!!!!!! But Play Smart as well. So what does it mean to live the Christian life shrewdly........... to Play Smart? Jesus told a parable in which He commended another man for the shrewd use of his master's wealth to win friends for himself- Jesus goes on to tell us that we should use worldly wealth in such a way that when it is gone we will be welcomed by many friends into eternal dwellings. Did you get that- The shrewd use of energy, resources, cleverness, power and position in this world is connected to having many friends in Heaven. The Christian Life is meant to be lived with Passion- Shrewd Passion, that makes every move based on an eternal perspective. This will not be the last time I touch the ball. I do not need to go out in a blaze of glory. This life is about much more than this life. Father God be in me to live for You with passion and conviction- always with an eye toward the reality of eternity. Give me wisdom- even shrewdness- as I manage all that You have given me in this world so that there are many friends to welcome me into Your Eternal Dwellings.