Scripture

Our verse for today comes from 2 Timothy 4:4, “And they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.”

Background

It’s NCAA basketball tournament time. And more than that, it’s tournament bracket time. Millions of people fill out brackets in hopes of getting the most games correct, choosing the correct national champion, and ultimately winning the pool that they might be in. The popularity of the tournament is undeniable. Every game is televised, and no corner of the country is without its reasons to follow a team or a story. But what is fascinating is the interest shown by so many people who care little to nothing about basketball for the entire regular season. And it’s the brackets that generate the interest. Basketball gurus will use their knowledge and research to dissect the games and pick their winners. But just as effective will be the methods used by the ladies in the office who choose theirs based on uniform colors, mascot cuteness, or any of the myriad of other irrelevant factors that might seem influential. Last year, my seven-year-old daughter was the best of our group. And being eight years old this year shouldn’t hurt her chances of beating a bunch of basketball guys once again. The brackets are truly for everyone, and they are the great equalizer. It doesn’t always boil down to what you know.

Application

Many of us know the truth. And many of the many know a whole lot of truth. But that’s not always enough, is it? If knowledge was all it took, God’s kingdom and His harvesters would look extremely different. In God’s domain, faith is the great equalizer. Many other factors and methods are touted as useful, beneficial, and reliable. But they might as well be cuddly mascots or trendy uniforms in your favorite colors. They seem effective and worth trying, but they will get you nowhere in your walk with and towards the Lord. Trust in God and His faithfulness. He is the only one with a perfect track record. He has never failed, and He never will. When choosing what to do, or wondering what He’ll do, let that be what sways you.

Charge

As we seek Him today, put your faith in Him for the smallest of details.

Salvation – Eternal Life in Less Than 150 Words