Playing a Full 48 Minutes

Professional basketball coaches will often talk about the importance of playing a full 48 minutes of a basketball game. This is especially true when their team played well most of the game and let things get out of hand for just a few critical minutes. The interesting thing about that is we don’t necessarily know which minutes will look most critical at the end of the game…or we would play our hardest during those times.

What are the most critical things for us? Proverbs 3:1-4 says “My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commandments in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity. Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.” What commandments are most important to follow? Jesus was asked this question and said “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the law and the prophets hang on these 2 commandments.” (Matthew 22:37-40)

So, God wants us to play a “full 48 minutes” for Him. He wants ALL of your heart…ALL of your soul AND ALL of your mind. He wants you to keep His commandments in your heart because He knows they will bring you good things. Do you believe Him? Do your actions say you believe Him? If you don’t like your answer, ask the great physician to work a change in your heart and see the wondrous work He will start in you.