Pressing On or Coasting In?

Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on in order that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.  Philippians 3:12

Last Sunday, the Green Bay Packers beat the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XLV in Dallas. As I think about famous moments in Super Bowls, I am reminded of Super Bowl XXVII, January 31, 1993 in Pasadena, CA. Troy Aikman and the Dallas Cowboys were facing Jim Kelly and the Buffalo Bills. 

The game was a blowout with Dallas winning 52-17. The only thing that really stands out about that game was a play in the fourth quarter involving Cowboys defensive tackle, Leon Lett, and Bills wide receiver, Don Beebe. 

Lett, the 6' 6", 300 pound behemoth, scooped up a fumble late in the fourth quarter.  He had a wide open 55 yards to the end zone. Lett had a chance to score a touchdown in the Super Bowl, something every lineman dreams of, but very few ever get the opportunity to do. Lett sprinted his way toward the end zone. Everyone thought it was a sure score, especially Leon. At the 10 yard line, he began to slow down, celebrate the moment and coast into the end zone. That proved to be the formula for disaster. 

The Bills Don Beebe had a "never say die" attitude. When he saw Lett pick up the fumble, he got on his pony and raced after him, hoping against hope that he could somehow prevent a sure touchdown. Because he pressed on and Lett began to coast, Beebe was able to strip the outstretched ball from the showboating lineman right before he crossed the goal line. The result was Leon Lett lost his sure touchdown, and Don Beebe made the play of the game.

PRESSING ON OR COASTING IN?

In your Christian life, are you more like Don Beebe or Leon Lett? Are you coasting into heaven or are you pressing on? Are you still giving it your all, or are you just going half-speed? Years ago I heard this straightforward statement: You are either growing or dying. Which one is it for you? 

The Apostle Paul had accomplished so much in his life for Christ and a big reason why was that he never let up. He kept pressing on with Jesus. He kept learning and growing and praying and seeking the Lord until he took his final breath. 

Jeff Schreve is Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church in Texarkana, Texas. He and his wife Debbie have been married for over 20 years and are blessed with three wonderful girls. Jeff began From His Heart Ministries, a radio and television ministry, in January of 2005. This ministry is completely listener/viewer supported. It continues only through the faithful and generous gifts of people like you. Pastor Jeff takes no salary from this ministry. All gifts go to further the broadcast.  

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