Last night the current World Champions of professional basketball received their rings proclaiming them champions. They then turned around and were beaten on the court by 42 points – the largest margin that a champion has ever lost by in their first game of the next year.
There is a term that comes into play here: don’t rest on your laurels. The Greeks awarded wreaths of laurel leaves to the winners of the Pythian Games. Resting on your laurels implies that you’ve reached the pinnacle of success and that you’ll take the laurel leaves and make a comfortable resting place and will not longer strive for your former excellence.
Sometimes you meet Christians who have begun to rest on their laurels. They can tell you about the things they used to do for the Lord. They can describe the joy of a church where they once belonged. They talk with love for pastors and staff members that once had an impact in their lives. The problem? They are no longer active in church. They no longer have real joy in their lives. And, they try to justify their inactivity by saying that their day has passed and that now it is time for others to serve.
In the NBA there is always a new year and a new challenge. In the Christian life, there is always the opportunity to be used by the Lord – while we have life and while we have breath. Hey! Don’t rest on your laurels.
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