Five Words

How do you describe your greatest accomplishment? What words describe your best day on the job--the pinnacle of your career? Could you do it in five words?

For Greg Jennings, wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers, it was simple. After scoring two touchdowns in a Super Bowl XLV victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers last Sunday, he summed it up in a post-game interview with just five words: “To God be the glory!”

Jennings finished the game with four receptions for 64 yards and two touchdowns. But more importantly, he was Quarterback Aaron Rogers’ go-to receiver after Donald Driver left the game with an injury. Arguably Jennings could’ve been the games’ MVP (Most Valuable Player).

That might have bothered some players, but not Jennings. As he left the game, Jennings exclaimed, “It’s a great day to be great, baby!”

Then, in his post-game interview with Fox’s Pam Oliver, he was asked, “Where do you begin to talk about everything you guys have been through and now look at this moment?”

Jennings’ response? “To God be the glory!” He then described the game and concluded with the same thought, “To God be the glory!”

His first and last statements during the interview were “To God be the glory!”

Other players in similar interviews have responded with something like, “I’m going to Disney World!” Why was Jennings’ response different? Because he is a Christian.

“Now hold on just a minute,” you say. “What difference does that make?”

All the difference in the world.

The Bible tells us that we were created for God’s glory, not our own. So when a person trusts in Jesus Christ for forgiveness of sin and becomes a child of God, his life then becomes a living example of God’s grace. And all that God does through him is a reflection of God’s glory.

God tells us in the Bible to do all we do for his sake and he will reward us. The Bible says, “So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

When others see us glorify God, like in Greg Jennings’ interview, they realize that God gets the credit for our success because he has helped us. But even if others don’t see our efforts, Jesus said, “Your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

Christians look for God’s approval and not just the approval of others, which is fleeting.

What’s the benefit of choosing to please God? Less stress. Because if God is happy with you, then you’re happy. And it helps you focus on living a life of service instead of self-absorption.

Those that joyfully serve others live much happier lives than people stuck in the never-satisfying cycle of self-promotion. At least that’s my observation, as a pastor and counselor.

For the Christian, Jesus Christ is the example of a life well lived. As he said of himself, “The Son of man came not to be served, but to serve and to give his life a ransom for many.”

Many people try the path of selfishness only to find it empty and devoid of meaning. Greg Jennings, in an earlier interview, said he tried to live without God’s help, “but it didn’t work.”

Jennings told reporters that his father is a pastor, so he was brought up in the faith, but drifted away. When he finally came “face to face with God,” Jennings said he remembered that “to whom much is given much is required.”

So for Jennings, that post-game interview wasn’t just five words of lip service to God. It summarized his whole approach to life. What five words would describe yours?

Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!