Greatest of All Time

I love to open my weekly JH boys small group at the start of the year with the question, “If you could be the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) in any ‘walk of life,’ what would it be?” The answers I receive help us get to know each other rather quickly. Many responses predictably fall within the field of professional sports. Others might focus on fields of business or entrepreneurship. Personally, I vacillate between NFL quarterback and best investor of all time. 

Without much prompting, the conversation moves toward the impact such success can make in the Kingdom of God. In fact, many of the students’ GOAT dreams quickly evolve into ministry-related goals. This self-centered question transforms into a Kingdom-focused reflection. Whether it be increased resources or greater influence, every GOAT who follows Jesus wants to use God’s gifts to fulfill His calling for their lives. 

With this year’s chapel theme of discovering how God wants us to serve “one another,” we continue to look to the ultimate GOAT of all of creation. The life of Jesus provides us with God’s blueprint for living in community. As students grow in their Christ identity and unique personality, their passions, desires, and pursuits can be directed by His design.  

I quickly discovered that my only contribution to the NFL was from my couch, and that I am a much better index investor than stock trader. But I also learned to surrender my pursuits to God’s leading. Not only that, I chose to keep the gospel at the center of my decisions and allocation of time. We pray that every conversation that investigates a student’s future will be disciple-determined. God has a GOAT gospel plan prepared for all of our children...helping make Jesus famous!
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