“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
– Romans 3:23

It doesn’t matter what level of greatness an athlete or coach achieves, there is no such thing as perfection. It’s impossible to win every championship. It’s impossible to break every record. Everyone is bound to eventually fall short. The sports world also shows us how easy it is to fall short in our professional lives. Athletes and coaches at all levels have too often become the subjects of stories involving cheating scandals, drug and alcohol abuse, violent crime, sexual impurity and selfish, prideful behavior. Whether in athletics or in our day-to-day existence, we have fallen short of the standards we are trying to meet. We are also subject to the same temptations that are rooted in our sinful nature. It’s the universal problem that has plagued mankind from the beginning. When it comes to sin, the world is “All In”.

On the surface, the world has a lot to offer. It goes “All In” for our attention and our affection. We can easily become preoccupied with entertainment, technology, material consumption and impure relationships. And while all those things may bring temporary pleasure, they ultimately lead to heartbreak, loneliness and pain. Jesus came to Earth to show us what real life was all about and He died on the Cross so that we might experience life to the fullest. Even after we turn away from the world and accept God’s love and the Salvation that Jesus offers, we will still fall short from time to time. We are humans and we will continue to make mistakes. But thankfully, we can rely on God’s grace, which makes us worthy to be called His sons and daughters. As we allow the Holy Spirit to transform our hearts and minds, and root out the sinful behavior that we hold on to, we can then begin to live “All In” for God.

Heavenly Father, thank You for being an “All In” God. Turn me away from the ways of this world. Teach me Your ways. Transform my heart and mind to be “All In” for You. Amen