For New England fans, at least, we have just witnessed a great football season - the best ever. Though things did not start out well for our team, things were eventually turned around and we not only become the AFC champions, but, more importantly, the Super Bowl Champs. And what a great Super Bowl it was! Even Patti was thrilled by it.

Here in New England, we love it when our professional teams are on the field or court straining every muscle and extending themselves to the fullest degree. For we know that this is a necessary ingredient if they hope to finish well. "It is true, of course, what a pitcher for the Pirates, Vernon Law, once said: 'Many have the will to win on the day of the game, but few have the will to prepare to win.'" (Lindy McDaniel, Vanguard, "Striving Against Sin," vol 5, no. 2). However, during most games you can see the stress and the strain the players go through in order to win.

There have been times, however, the fans have felt short-changed by their teams because they believe that either the whole team or certain well-paid players may have suited up for the game, but the feeling of the fans was that they were only going through the motions; their min wasn't on the game -- they were loafing, not going all out for the victory. When this happens the fans are certain to tell the offending party what they think of their performance. True fans will simply not tolerate anything but full-out effort from their athletes, and even if they imagine that a player is loafing, they will let him know in no uncertain terms what they think about it.

Christians are admonished to strive against sin, and to strive to enter into the narrow door; this striving involves "agonizing toil." Just as all athletes must stretch out and strain every muscle if they hope to win their contest, the Christian must also strive to win a prize more valuable than the Vince Lombardi trophy. Are you striving -- running in such a way that you may win an imperishable crown? Or, are you merely going through the motions? Answer honestly! For though you may fool others, Christ will not be fooled.

Luke 13:24 Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.

I Corinthians 9:24-27 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 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.

II Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

II Timothy 2:21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.

Hebrews 11:7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.