Those who dunk a basketball usually have bruises and scrapes on their wrists (FCR Photo)
One of the most exciting things about watching basketball, especially at the high school and college level, is when a player completes a massive slam dunk.
The feat is amazing because unless you are seven-plus feet tall, it requires an impressive vertical jump – something I’ve never had the privilege to enjoy.
So how much would you be willing to pay for the opportunity to dunk?
Very few of us know that the side-effect of those dunks is bruised and scratched wrists, so some players drop the ball into the basket rather than slamming it to avoid the pain.
In Philippians 3:7-8 (ESV), Paul writes, “but whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus, my Lord. For his sake, I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish so that I may gain Christ”.
As believers, we know what our destiny holds – eternal life – but if anyone knew the cost of living above the rim, it was Paul.
We might be wise today to count the blessing of pain in our lives since there’s no telling how many spectators are watching us “play the game” of life that may someday find their salvation because of it.
(#13)
