2 Timothy 4:7 KJV – I have fought a good fight, have finished my course, I have kept the faith.
2 Timothy 4:7 AMP – I have fought the good (worthy, honorable, and noble) fight, I have finished the race, I have kept (firmly held) the faith.
The teams who are playing in the big games spend plenty of time strategizing and preparing for the big game, but private businesses and the fans do also. This past weekend hosted the big finale of professional football – the Superbowl. The resources that were dedicated to this game are almost unbelievable to comprehend. From the team player’s time, training, and preparation to the NFL’s planning for the actual event including preparing the stadium, working with the City of Indianapolis, and preparing security for the event, to private businesses planning months ahead of time for marketing their product in the form of commercials and paying the top rates for commercial spots during the game, to fans preparing for their Superbowl parties and inviting their friends and shopping for ingredients to make the winning dishes for their friends, everyone played a huge role in preparing for the game and for the experience of watching the game. Statistics show that even sales of recliners go up three times the week before the game. Fans just want to enjoy a better seat while they watch!
There are so many people and factors that all come together to play a part in preparing for and playing the game. There are billions of dollars that are spent in preparation for and an enormous amount of money that is given to the winner of this remarkable championship game.
Even though this Superbowl game is just one game in football, it is an important one. How much more important is planning and preparing for your entire life and your family’s life. Put the emphasis in perspective and value yourself and your family. In 2 Timothy 4:7 AMP, Paul writes, “I have fought the good (worthy, honorable, and noble) fight, I have finished the race, I have kept (firmly held) the faith.” Our goal in life is to fight the good fight, which means to be be prepared by planning, but to execute the plan. Our goal is not to just prepare and plan, but to finish the race and, according to Paul, we win if we have kept or firmly held the faith. There is no doubt that each team in the Superbowl is there to win! Winning should also be a goal in our lives and in our family.
Unfortunately, taking a chance on your life’s success most likely will not result in the outcome you wish. A way to look at your planning without being overwhelmed is to take it one “game” at a time, with your eyes on the ultimate championship. What goals are you looking to achieve this year, in the next 6 months, in the next 3 months, and in the next 1 month. How can you accomplish that over 4 weeks? Then you can begin to take reasonable steps day by day that allow you to see progress. Be a fan of yourself and your achievements. Just like football fans, you should celebrate yourself and your family and the achievements and wins you secure along the way. Your game plan is important. That is your Estate Plan. It may change along the way. You may need to make adjustments. Changes are easy to make. The important thing is to get started. Don’t procrastinate. Time will not stop and you have many game days ahead. Get focused and press in. You are a winner, so take action by fighting the good fight. Finish your course so you can look back having been a winner.