Growing up, basketball was my life. It’s why I woke up before sunrise and didn’t get home until after dark. When I wasn’t doing schoolwork, I was playing basketball. Running. Lifting. Dribbling. Shooting. It’s what I lived for. It’s just what I did. It’s who I was.

And then life hit me right smack in the forehead.

Doctors were telling me I couldn’t play anymore. “Your health is more important than playing basketball. It’s just a game.” And that made me so mad. Mad to the point of tears. Why could they not understand that it was more than just a game?

But now I realize that maybe the question I should have been asking all along was, Why can I not understand that a game is exactly what it is? I know. I get it. I really do. The lessons learned and the friendships and memories that are made make it so much more. And I agree. But without those things, it really is just a game. It’s a freaking awesome game… But it is a game. And there is more to life. I’ve learned that the hard way. As children of God, we are called to accomplish things that are greater than any game could ever offer.

Leading up to my last high school basketball game I had accumulated over 40 basketball awards. I took pride in those awards (and still do). They each have great memories tied to them, and they show the heart that I played with. Looking at those trophies now, though, all I can think about is 1 Corinthians 9:25, “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.” This Bible verse never really sunk in for me until I stopped playing basketball. The “crowns” that I earned are essentially useless. They won’t get me anything, and I can’t help anyone with them. They’re just showpieces.

There is a “crown” that is more valuable than any earthly prize, and that is the salvation that comes from knowing Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. And the best part about it is that you don’t have to do anything to “earn” it. Romans 10:9 says, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” It’s as simple as that. We serve a patient and loving God. This life can be hard. But faith in Jesus Christ makes it all worth it. We know that the pain and suffering will come to an end. “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance,” 2 Peter 3:9.

Hebrews 12:1 challenges each of us to live in such a way that glorifies the Lord: “Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” So whether you are playing a sport, going to school, working, or just holding a conversation with someone, do it for the right reasons. Not to receive a prize or recognition, but to glorify the Lord who created you, who loves you, and who wants the best for you.

Basketball is no longer “my life”. It's no longer the reason I wake up or the reason for my joy. I have found a greater purpose in being a cherished child of God. That is who I am, and nothing could ever be more rewarding than that.