KEEPING SCORE

In the great game of baseball, victory is not determined by hits – only by runs. It is not decided by double plays or even a no-hit performance by a pitcher – only by runs.

A player may hit the ball, slide safely into the third base but get no further and not score. He will be remembered as being “left stranded.” He will not be recognized for “three-quarters of a run.”

This is true of everything in life. Few people are ever recognized for how well they start. Normally, they are remembered for how well they finish. We may run hard, overcome obstacles, work our way through difficult situations, but unless we accomplish our goals and “score,” we are normally forgotten unless we finish well.

There is a sad verse in Paul’s letter to Timothy. He speaks of Demas, and writes that he “has deserted me because he loves the things of life…” A former co-worker of Paul’s, he exchanged his calling from God for worldly pleasures and values. Perhaps Demas never counted the cost of serving Christ. Maybe he became weary in well doing and lost his enthusiasm. We do not know the reason, but we see the results. And here is the lesson for each of us: Rather than condemn or criticize him, let’s look for the “Demas” that may be in each of us.

Prayer: Lord, never let us lose our love for You or the life You have called us to live. May we be faithful, fruitful, truthful, loyal, and never forsake or desert You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today:   Demas has deserted me because he loves the things of this life and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus has gone to Dalmatia. 2 Timothy 4:10