Wake Forest University just completed a promotional program called “Last Fan Sitting.” Early on Thursday morning, January 8th, after more than three days enduring wind, rain, and sub-freezing temperatures, Bob Yakos was dubbed the champion of this grueling contest. He beat out 22 other fans, 8 of whom made it with him until Thursday morning. He answered Wake Forest trivia questions and beat out his fellow-diehards. For his trouble, Yakos will enjoy season tickets for four for the next 15 years. He was not only prepared for the trivia, impressive especially for a Cooperstown, New York, native whose work relocated him to the research triangle area, but for the weather. He wore a Gore-Tex suit and duck boots, both of which kept him warm when temps went low.
Jesus would point to world events and everyday situations to make a more important, spiritual point (cf. Mt. 13; Lk. 13:1ff). There seems to be a formula in Yakos’ success from which Christians can learn. We can call it the “PIE” formula.
P-Preparation. Yakos boned up on Wake Forest trivia. Even his clothing showed foresight. It took groundwork to give him glory. For Christians to overcome the overwhelming odds we often face, preparation is key. What are we doing in our “off time” that helps us answer the spiritual challenges we face? And are we properly adorned (Eph. 6:10ff; 1 Th. 5:8)?
I-Incentive. Fifteen years of free tickets to watch college football is good incentive for quite a few sports’ fans. Yet, the overwhelming majority of the citizens of Durham and other Carolina cities opted not to even compete. Of those who did, somewhere along the way either the elements or discomfort discouraged them from their original goal. So, too, the masses are disinterested in the reward awaiting the faithful. They may not believe it is real or it may not capture their desires and interests. Of those of us who do begin the journey that leads to heaven, we cannot let adversity or anything else cause us to give up before the end (cf. Rev. 2:10).
E-Endurance. Yakos would not quit, even when others did. He would not quit, even when it may have looked enticing. He stuck it out, no matter what. When applied to spiritual things, what an approach! Nothing is worth losing heaven or our souls. You may often want to quit, but you cannot quit! Our tribulation and troubles will last more than 74.5 hours, but compared to eternity we will have to endure but the proverbial blink of an eye.
Sixteen years from now, Yakos will have to buy a ticket if he wants to watch the Demon Deacons play football. If we endure to the end of this life, our reward never expires. Whatever we endure will have been worth it. But, we must make proper preparation, so each of us will be among the “Last Christians Standing” before the king of Kings (cf. Mt. 25:34-40, 46; 2 Tim. 4:8)!
Jesus would point to world events and everyday situations to make a more important, spiritual point (cf. Mt. 13; Lk. 13:1ff). There seems to be a formula in Yakos’ success from which Christians can learn. We can call it the “PIE” formula.
P-Preparation. Yakos boned up on Wake Forest trivia. Even his clothing showed foresight. It took groundwork to give him glory. For Christians to overcome the overwhelming odds we often face, preparation is key. What are we doing in our “off time” that helps us answer the spiritual challenges we face? And are we properly adorned (Eph. 6:10ff; 1 Th. 5:8)?
I-Incentive. Fifteen years of free tickets to watch college football is good incentive for quite a few sports’ fans. Yet, the overwhelming majority of the citizens of Durham and other Carolina cities opted not to even compete. Of those who did, somewhere along the way either the elements or discomfort discouraged them from their original goal. So, too, the masses are disinterested in the reward awaiting the faithful. They may not believe it is real or it may not capture their desires and interests. Of those of us who do begin the journey that leads to heaven, we cannot let adversity or anything else cause us to give up before the end (cf. Rev. 2:10).
E-Endurance. Yakos would not quit, even when others did. He would not quit, even when it may have looked enticing. He stuck it out, no matter what. When applied to spiritual things, what an approach! Nothing is worth losing heaven or our souls. You may often want to quit, but you cannot quit! Our tribulation and troubles will last more than 74.5 hours, but compared to eternity we will have to endure but the proverbial blink of an eye.
Sixteen years from now, Yakos will have to buy a ticket if he wants to watch the Demon Deacons play football. If we endure to the end of this life, our reward never expires. Whatever we endure will have been worth it. But, we must make proper preparation, so each of us will be among the “Last Christians Standing” before the king of Kings (cf. Mt. 25:34-40, 46; 2 Tim. 4:8)!
Neal Pollard