to encourage and challenge you for what you will face today and beyond. That is our prayer for you.

Leave Nothing Behind

Tom Barnard

“…forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,

I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

(Philippians 3:13, 14 NKJV)

School has begun everywhere, and the football season is already underway. Professional football teams start their seasons this weekend. Cooler temperatures and fall colors are not far away (except perhaps in Arizona and Florida). It’s a good time of the year to take stock of who you are and where you are going.

There is a saying in sports that I like very much. It is biblical. Are you ready? (That’s not it; here it is):

 
“Leave Nothing”

It means, “Leave Nothing Behind.” It means, “Take everything you have to the task before you.” It means, “Take your ‘A’ game onto the field of play.” It is a warning: If you concentrate too much on the past, you will not be able to perform at your best level today. It is a reminder “there is no tomorrow” in terms of your performance today. Now is what counts. It’s like the slogan that every football player at the University of Notre Dame sees just before heading down the runway into the stadium:

“Play like a Champion today!”

Showing up is not the same thing as playing like a champion. Wearing the uniform doesn’t quite get it either. You can buy a uniform at dozens of outlets. They may even have your exact size. That’s not playing like a champion; it’s merely looking like one. Playing like a champion requires hard work; it involves training; disciplining your body and mind; memorizing the play book; watching game films; building teamwork; early to bed—early to rise; running; jumping; pushing and pulling. Champions know that opportunities to excel don’t come along every day. So they “leave nothing behind…reach forward to the things ahead…press toward the goal…stretch for the prize…develop intolerance for shortcuts.” Our calling is long term. It demands our very best. It is God who has called us to play. Advance! Today!

Heavenly Father, I want to do more than just be a spectator. I want to do more than sit on the bench while others play. I want to qualify myself to be ready when Coach calls my name. Help me to forget past victories and even failures. Help me focus on today’s outcomes. Give me courage to face whatever spiritual battle lies ahead for me. Finally, Father, meet me at the finish line. That is my true goal. In the strong Name of Jesus I pray. Amen.