Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. (1 Peter 3:15-16)
My goals in life have changed drastically over the years. As a teenager, I dreamed about playing 3rd base for the NY Mets. I batted clean-up, I drove in 100 runs and hit 50 home runs per season, played an error-free 3rd base, and led my team to a World Championship every season I played. I was simply the best 3rd baseman who never came to be. In college, I scrapped that fantasy for something much more realistic. I was going to be the next superstar singer. I produced nothing but #1 hits and albums and graced every magazine cover known to man.
But as I grew older, I came to realize that a meaningful life for me would not entail being an all-star baseball player or a rock star. Homeruns and hit songs do not lead to eternal salvation; but Christ does. A few years ago, I asked myself a question that still sticks with me today: “If I died tomorrow, what would I be remembered for?” I put together a list that concerned me: good athlete, good student, Mets fan, Cowboys fan, Rutgers fan, etc. I made the decision that day to make a change. I decided to use the tools that the Lord had given me, and use them for His purpose.
One day, when I have left this earth, hopefully those that knew me would remember me not for the teams that I rooted for or the sports that I played, but as a man that lived for Christ and lived each day trying to lead others to Him.