By Dr. Gerry Baughman - Founder, Director CAMP BIMI * SMART

Consider Marion Jones, the Olympic runner, who has admitted to lying about steroid use for the last several years and may face prison. What about Barry Bonds? Did he really use enhancing drugs to become the greatest home run hitter of all time? Then there is Michael Vick and his dog fighting escapade, smoking pot, indefinite suspension from the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons. Do you remember Maurice Claret? I didn’t think you would. He was a number one draft pick several years ago. Maurice had a fabulous first year for Ohio State University, but because of arrogant pride and police problems, he sits in jail with a career that could have been worth millions—his life wasted and in ruins.

Tony Dorset, one of the greatest running backs of all time, made a statement during the induction of his friend, Earl Campbell, into the Football Hall of Fame. Looking at Earl, only 55 years old but using a walker because of numerous football injuries, Dorset made a powerful statement that applies to all of our lives. “In the end, the game wins.”

That simple thought has saturated my heart for weeks as I think of many who have started well, yet for some reason were ‘benched’ because of foul trouble, injury, incompetence, or just plain sin. Paul told Timothy, “No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life…” II Timothy 2:4

Shock is often the reaction when we hear the news of someone who has fallen by the wayside. We never would have dreamed them capable of doing some of the things they are accused of, yet it happens.

We, too, play our games skillfully. We know all the rules, language, and what is expected of us and oft times, play the game well…sometimes too well. However, it is the game we play in our mind and heart that counts. “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he…” Proverbs 23:7

It is a fact. In the end, the game DOES win. The Apostle Paul referred to the game. He said, “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth a prize? So run that ye may obtain. I therefore so run not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” I Corinthians 9:24, 26, 27

It takes determination to stay on the right team. We must get in spiritual shape and never cease from taking inventory and laying aside those weights that so easily hinder us from running the race for the Lord. Hebrews 12:1

John said, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” III John 1:4 We love hearing from you and rejoicing with what the Lord is doing in your life. We love seeing you on the college campus, in your church, or receiving your e-mail. But 0ur hearts are heavy when we know you’ve changed teams and game plans.

The slow white Ford Bronco and gloves that were ‘too small’ define one of the greatest running backs of all time. For O.J. and others, the game has won. They lost. There are no trophies.

How are you playing the game? Do you remain on the right team? God’s Word clearly lays out the only game plan. You can’t make up rules as you go, or simply ignore them. Run well that ye might obtain the crown of faithfulness and cross the finish line where the Lord is waiting and wanting to say “Well done.” “…Press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14 See you at the finish line!