Hunting for a Trophy...

It's hunting season in East Texas and deer hunters have been preparing for months in the hope of bringing home a trophy buck. It's amazing to what extremes, hunters will go through in pursuit of their prize. They will mark the hunting season on their calendars months in advance. They scout their leases with motion sensitive cameras. They set out deer feeders to lure their prey and locate the ideal spot for their stands. They've been to Bass Pro Shop or Cabella's to purchase the latest in camouflage, guns and ammo for the season, which are not cheap. They will travel hundreds of miles with trailer in tow loaded with surplies and their ATV. They will get up before the crack of dawn and sit in their stands for hours in freezing weather in the hope of just getting an opportunity for a shot at the prize. You've got to admire their zeal and dedication.

Isn't it a shame, that we don't go to the same extreme in our pursuit of God. Now, I include myself, in this assessment. It's not surprising that we will go to extremes in our jobs, our recreation, social and family life to be or have the best. We will spend time, money and push the limits of our endurance to pursue those goals. Often doing so at great sacrifice of other things. Yet, when it comes to our relationship with God, we give at best our leftovers.

Is the reason that the prize (eternal life; a relationship with Almighty God, the creator of the universe; the forgiveness of our sins) is insignificant compared to other prizes we pursue? Is the realization that God loved us so much that He gave His One and Only Son, to die for our sins and rose from the grave to provide everlasting life for us, something less than worthy of our very best offerings? Are the promises of His power, presence and guidance for daily living, just advice that is easily discounted, unless there is really a pressing need?

I find it somewhat ironic that the apostle Paul, who as zealous as anyone, wrote these words...

"But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus as my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him,... But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:7-14)

Too often we can become caught up in pursuing trophies to hang on our walls or put on a shelf and miss out on the greatest prize of all. The prize and privilege of knowing Christ and experiencing Him at work in and through our lives every day. That's the trophy worth pursuing at any cost.