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The Greatest Game

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I’m sure this will create different answers in different minds. Is there a game that can be classified as the greatest? Is it football, hockey, golf, cricket or basket ball? Or is it one of those not too popular games that has been discovered to have the capacity to excite and fascinate us the most? Which is the greatest game on earth, and what are the parameters that make it so? Do we measure by the thrills? The population of the world actively engaged in the game or it’s process? The degree by which our lives are affected by them or do we use statistics from opinion polls?

Whatever it is that we chose to use however, certain facts are undeniable. Football is a game that has the capacity to literally arrest a great percentage of the world in front of their television sets. More people in the world play golf and football more than any game. The thrill and the followership of basketball in America and increasingly globally is on the increase. The fanatic support of teams, of stars and of championships is tending towards idolatory. The games have become a rallying point of our social lives, we spend days watching, spend hours talking, minutes updating the scores and seconds rejoicing. These games are great, but none of them qualifies as the greatest game in the world.

The greatest game is the one that is most far reaching, the one that involves the entire being, spirit soul and body. It’s the game that has the most participants, engages the whole of humanity and gives everybody a chance to get the frills and the thrills. It’s a game that all can win. It’s also a game that starts out with everybody equal in opportunity and chance. This is not soccer, basketball, golf or tennis. This is the game of life. In the immortal words of Paul the sent one, “So run, that ye may obtain”. Life is a game, we start at different points, and end at different points, but we can finish as losers or end as winners. 

The greatest tragedy that can happen to an athlete is to not know that he is in a game, and hence live like it’s it’s practice time. We have only one shot at life, and the game started on that blessed day or that cold and lonely night when your presence was introduced to the world amidst tears and wails. Many are living their current lives, like it’s a rehearsal for the next, the injunction is sounded loud, run to win! Don’t run to practice, run to win! 

It is critical that we familiarize ourselves with the game, it’s rules and our abilities. It’s amazing that no where in our curricular are we taught about the map and the winding paths in the race of life. No one ever sat us down to detail us about the rules, no one made our choices clear to us. Hence majority of us, spend a good portion of our time, crawling when we could be walking, strolling when we could be running and running when we could be flying. This game has rules, and everybody in the game the capacity to win as our entry and exit points are different.

How do we play this game? There is view I found interesting from 1Cor 9:24-27

Surely you know that many runners take part in a race, but only one of them wins the prize. Run, then, in such a way as to win the prize. Every athlete in training submits to strict discipline, in order to be crowned with a wreath that will not last; but we do it for one that will last forever. That is why I run straight for the finish line; that is why I am like a boxer who does not waste his punches. I harden my body with blows and bring it under complete control, to keep myself from being disqualified after having called others to the contest. 

The game we play is the one we chose. We are all architects of our individual and collective destinies. The stadia of life is set, everyone runs, but there is an option to run to win. Are you running to win or are you living for fun? All good athletes submit themselves to rigorous training and strict discipline. Are you giving yourself a hard time, or indulging yourself in every pleasure? Do you know that your activities in this race bounded by time will be rewarded eternally? We can be involved in life, or we can commit to life. When a cow gives you milk, he’s involved, when it gives you meat, it’s committed. Are you giving life everything you’ve got or some of it? Are you running straight or running in circles? Do you have a clear line of site, or are you wasting your punches? Are you living sloppily or focused-ly? We have a responsibility for making sure that our bodies are in the best conditions to serve us in this great game. Are you alert and in top condition? Are you running by the rules or can you be disqualified? Are you calling others to the race and running in the opposite direction yourself? 

It’s amazing how the creation story ends -unfinished man in an unfinished world! There were no lights to light the hidden parts, no bridges to cross the seas, no stories to entertain the mind, no vehicles to reach beyond the mountains, no bed to lay on top of. The pictures were unpainted, the songs unsung. The earth was incomplete and so man. God made man limitless, but progressive. He had the capacity to make the bridges, to fly, to explore the seas, to counterfeit himself, to do exploits, but he had to come to daily know it. He had to explore, to search within and bring out answers without. He had to venture into what he was unsure of, take risks, sometimes lose and sometimes win big. God finished his work in 7 days, and man’s work and race continue till this moment. You and I are the missing link for the solutions in our environment. The responsibility of expansion and expression rests squarely on our shoulders. The forging ground for progress lies in our courage, our convictions, our character, our passion, our talent, our childlike excitement and our boundless curiosity. 

The race is set, and the judges are watching! Just as a drop of water in the ocean carries all the qualities of the water in the ocean, you and I have the DNA of the creator of the world. Within is, is potential unlimited, around us, a world we can affect. We were loaded from the beginning with all the tools that our race will require. The plans of the divine for us are not mediocre. We are not made to wallow in poverty and self pity, we are commanders of the universe. We were not made to be idle spectators standing on the sidelines of life. We are meant to be active participants in our race, and great cheerleaders for the race of lives surrounding ours.

Oh, I know about the dull moments, I’m conversant with fear. I know about the debilitating depths of depression and I’m aware of discouragements. I’m no novice to failed efforts, nor am I deluded that sometimes we get handed a curved ball. I also know however, that life is less what happens to us than our response to it. It’s not the fear that counts, it’s what we do in spite of fear that counts. Life has no counter for our failures, one success wipes out the memories of 50 failed attempts. So run, that ye may obtain!

Adeolu Akinyemi

Adeolu Akinyemi

43 thoughts on “The Greatest Game”

  1. Solomon James
    February 20, 2009 at 7:23 am

    So run I with purpose in every step, until life is lived intentionally, it might just be another practice session that might end up a failure. Life is a game played in the head. For me i have made up my mind to run to win, am not just shadow boxing.

    Reply
  2. Toni
    February 20, 2009 at 8:13 am

    Good one Mr. Deolu,

    Reminds me of a qoute from the movie “Akeelah and the Bee” also used in the award winning “Coach Carter”.

    “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
    Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
    It is our light not our darkness that most frightens us.
    Your playing small does not serve the world.
    There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other
    people won’t feel insecure around you.
    It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone.
    And as we let our own light shine,
    we unconsciously give other people
    permission to do the same.
    As we are liberated from our own fear,
    Our presence automatically liberates others”

    we are built to serve it is in this we have our topmost fulfillment. Thank you!

    Reply
  3. Bussee
    February 20, 2009 at 8:35 am

    hmmm word…..

    Toni,

    good stuff

    Reply
  4. Oba
    February 20, 2009 at 8:37 am

    You’ve made your point Deolu and it is valid.
    From the passage quoted, the key word common to winners all over the world irrespective of the game engaged in, even the game of life, is DISCIPLINE. And that Discipline is SELF DISCIPLINE. How many athletes (or world-renowned stars) have ended or cut short their game due to lack of Self Discipline!
    There is no Soldier that is enlisted for battles still engages himself in civilian pleasure and is still fit. Recently on Youtube I washed the “SAS Survival secrets” and SAS means Special Air Services(I recommend it for all who have the time), it was so revealing and thought provoking.
    There is no Substitute to Discipline for any who wants to Win and I mean WIN BIG. Small discipline for small wins while BIG discipline for BIG WINS. The choice is for all to make.
    I know I need to take more of that dose, and that I WILL do and so help me GOD

    Reply
  5. Peter Oluokun
    February 20, 2009 at 8:57 am

    I’m born to win, in this race of life i aim to be among the winners, i’m training to ensure i always have a clear line of sight so as to be progressive inspite of any challenges.

    The beauty of my life is mearnt to spread out to encourage many others to achieve the same with their life or complete their individual race.

    Focus and discipline are key secrets i have accepted to be of great help along the race. Again, i realised that ‘Iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friends’ I reckon that this always helps in winning the race of life, don’t run alone.

    Thanks Deolu for this insightful piece as always.

    Reply
  6. ODEDEYI EMMANUEL
    February 20, 2009 at 8:58 am

    My brother,
    May your source never run dry!
    I feel the pulse where those striking words come from. It is clear that we are all in a race according to Hebrews 12:1-2(NLT)

    Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us.
    We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish.* He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterward. Now he is seated in the place of highest honor beside God’s throne in heaven.

    Jesus finished strong, hence we have no excuse.

    One striking thing about what you said is the rheutorical question that I want ask myself “Am I calling others to the race while I’m running in the opposite direction myself?

    I recommend a book that has changed my life to everyone- FINISHING STRONG -by Steve Farrar.

    Bless you!

    Reply
  7. Emog
    February 20, 2009 at 9:38 am

    Inspiring……..

    Reply
  8. Ifects
    February 20, 2009 at 10:49 am

    Focus…Discipline…Focus…Discipline

    When you place a hand lens over a piece of paper under a sun ray, the paper catches fire and burns. This was only possible because the lens focuses the power of the sun ray on a particular spot. We might just do our selves some good by focusing on our goals. It brings results even faster.

    While we run the race, we also need to be disciplined. We should abide to the system of rules of conduct of the game.

    Thanks Oga Dee for sharing this with us. “ko ni tan n mbe o”

    Reply
  9. Ibukunolu Ishola
    February 20, 2009 at 1:25 pm

    This is a great piece. Your fountain of knowledge will not run dry in Jesus’ name. Well done.

    Reply
  10. Otome Elisha
    February 20, 2009 at 1:58 pm

    What shall i say…Shall i continue in sin that…Well,i believe this game points us to the maker himself and wants us to run effectively so that we are not left out in the ways of God.
    I believe u sir.

    Reply
  11. Omooba
    February 20, 2009 at 2:30 pm

    This is WORD!

    Reply
  12. lolu mogaji
    February 20, 2009 at 3:13 pm

    Hmmm! Oro!

    Reply
  13. JesusFreak
    February 20, 2009 at 7:51 pm

    What more can i say….

    Onyisi, you have said it all…I see one more reason to believe you and affirm that you are a model to follow..

    @Toni, you read my mind..I remember Akeelah and all she had to go through to win the game of her life. I remember the basketball players in coach carter and all they had to go through.

    Life is a game we must play and WIN
    Life is a race we must run and WIN
    Life is the greatest game we must play and WIN

    We must have a WIN WIN WIN attitude..

    Thank you sir..i shall not relent even when things seems not to go my way..I was hoping to discuss some with you today but you have given me another inspiration to forge ahead..

    You are valued!!!

    Reply
  14. Adekunle Ifabiyi
    February 20, 2009 at 8:00 pm

    Great one there. We’ve all got a part to play in this life and we need get busy accomplishing that purpose for which we we’re created.

    Reply
  15. Otome Elisha
    February 21, 2009 at 12:22 am

    Hey, I am having issues with my subscription. Its not coming to me anymore. Pls somebody should advise me on what to do

    Reply
  16. Adeolu Akinyemi
    February 21, 2009 at 12:58 am

    @All.. Fear not, it is I… I’m testing out new looks for the site, I pray I get a great one.

    Reply
  17. JesusFreak
    February 21, 2009 at 11:22 am

    woooooowwww

    Nice new looks…i like variety..I guess u will have noticed that on my blog too.

    Good

    Reply
  18. osideinde adewale
    February 21, 2009 at 11:31 am

    d question goes to everyone just as it went to Jesus in mat 11:3, ARE THOU THE ONE OR SHOULD WE LOOK FOR ANOTHER. we live in the midst of a perverse and crooked generation with many questions that as no answer, in the midst of lack, pain, strife, war, corruption and i tell u life is asking us whether we are the ones that would bring answers to these questions and problems or would we just join the sideline of spectators and failures, life ( ur family, ur friends, ur nation etc) is asking you, would you be a winner or a looser, ARE YOU THE ONE OR SHOULD WE LOOK FOR ANOTHER.
    i have made up my mind not to waste punches, not to join the league of feeble minded, non daring spectators and losers but instead to join the league of extra ordinary gentlemen who would shine as lights in the midst of the overwhelming darkness, leaving the world better than i met it. SO HELP ME GOD…..

    Reply
  19. Tunde Anibaba
    February 21, 2009 at 12:17 pm

    Deolu, i commend the new look of your blog, Please keep up the good work. As regards the article, it is inspiring and captivating. Never stop in well doing.

    Reply
  20. Adeolu Akinyemi
    February 21, 2009 at 10:00 pm

    @Otome,

    Why not subscribe again, or check your bulk mail. I think you need to add my address to your address book, so the mails never go to your spam. I think the same applies to everybody else.

    Reply
  21. ijeoma Chukwu
    February 21, 2009 at 10:29 pm

    Keep up the good work , you’re simply great and blessed.

    Reply
  22. Peter Oluokun
    February 22, 2009 at 12:20 am

    Nice one Deolu, it’s looking great already, so when you finish, it will have extra flavour, weldone.

    Reply
  23. Omooba
    February 22, 2009 at 5:54 am

    This look is getting better and better. Kudos to you and your web development team.

    Reply
  24. Otome Elisha
    February 22, 2009 at 2:13 pm

    Yeah!!! Beautiful look, Thanks Deolu, i have resubscribed and hope it comes to me again. While i really love the faintness of the colour and catchy look of the site. I wish to point my mind to something from ETR (a daily magazine i also read all the time). I think the smallness of the comment fonts is not catchy enough. I would suggest the font of the former when you finish testing the site, it has a part in making me want to read comments all the time. May be because i am shortsighted Lol…

    Reply
  25. Subair Ayobami
    February 22, 2009 at 2:52 pm

    The article is as superb as ur site. Keep up the good work. U’re the Best!!!

    Reply
  26. Akintayo Obaloluwa
    February 22, 2009 at 11:41 pm

    Thanks for these inspiring words. You will go from strength to strength.

    Reply
  27. Ifects
    February 23, 2009 at 11:23 am

    Nice Theme…looking fresh. It also loads faster.

    Reply
  28. Toni
    February 23, 2009 at 11:45 am

    Great new look Mr dee, great job

    Reply
  29. tosin fayokun
    February 23, 2009 at 12:46 pm

    hmmm…. in the race of life , i think i can break it down to 3 stages namely: the beginning, the process and the end. form observation, it’s quite easy for many of us to start due to certain factors like, initial motivation and the likes. however, the difficult part that separates the winners from the losers, the achievers from the non-achievers is that process stage where it depends on a lot of factors like staying motivated, encouragement,discipline, honing ur skills, persistence and the likes. most people will agree that this is where u can determine whether a project will be completed or not, a relationship will survive or not and so on. therefore i say that in the game of life, know exactly what u want, know what it takes to get it (u won’t fully know that anyway), just begin to go after it (u will find out more as u move), and finally, get it! success at something, and anything has a way of giving you confidence, so as chairman has iterated, ….. run that you can get it!!!!

    Reply
  30. Olajide Michael
    February 23, 2009 at 2:26 pm

    Bodily exercise profits but little(we need the little), but godliness is great gain. We need to exercise(godly) ourselves to for the GREAT GAIN.

    Reply
  31. Olaoluwa
    February 23, 2009 at 4:09 pm

    I do not fight like the one that beats the wind, purpose punch!. Inspiring…

    Reply
  32. ODEDEYI EMMANUEL
    February 23, 2009 at 4:10 pm

    Hmm, wonders shall never end… My brother, you are a bunch of positive surprises.

    This new site is not bad.

    Reply
  33. oluyemi adeosun
    February 24, 2009 at 7:40 am

    “one success wipes out the memories of 50 failed attempts”.

    This is a truth that i must engrave on my heart. The journey is still in progress

    Reply
  34. Christopher
    February 24, 2009 at 8:34 am

    The game of life is the greatest, I agree with u Oga deolu

    Reply
  35. Cyril
    February 24, 2009 at 1:42 pm

    Deaolu,
    You are not just a motivator, you are an impacter: you are a child of God, and that makes the difference.
    The Lord almighty will bless you more and more and more.
    Shalom.

    Reply
  36. AdewaleOba
    February 24, 2009 at 11:53 pm

    hmmmm… everybody just need to know that it’s win-win game. we can’t afford to meet our Maker empty handed.
    looking good is a serious biz…this look isn’t bad

    Reply
  37. Biddy
    February 25, 2009 at 8:16 am

    Some people read History, some write history, you are born to make history …cos when the story of some of our lives are told…you will have your part in it, as we refer to the inspirational thoughts you download to us from time to time that has kept us on track! We will all run this race in our own tracks, put our heads in the game and take it to the next level by God’s grace! Great job and more grace!

    Reply
  38. dharpzee
    February 25, 2009 at 3:56 pm

    he that has hears, let him ………………….!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Reply
  39. dharpzee
    February 25, 2009 at 3:57 pm

    He that has ears, let him ……..!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Reply
  40. David
    February 26, 2009 at 2:31 pm

    one success wipes out the memories of 50 failed attempts. So run, that ye may obtain!

    Reply
  41. omozele
    April 9, 2009 at 3:27 pm

    chairman God bless u. when i saw the topic and the different sport tools, i immediately said in my mind that the greatest game certainly has to be football because i am an ardent lover and follower.i love the topic. it makes one very curious.life is really a game and how far you go in life is dependent on your mastery of the game(life)May God cause us to be champions in this game.God bless naija.

    Reply
  42. Kilanko Oluwaseun
    April 10, 2009 at 11:31 pm

    I shall take my place in destiny,I shall rule my world!

    Reply
  43. IKOTUN ADEBISI
    May 10, 2009 at 8:46 pm

    a lot of us run with our heads heads facing downwards as if we were called to go down. i listened to a sermon in Ogoja (Cross River State) about four years ago and its still fresh in my heart: “LOOK UP AND GO FORWARD” looking upwards keeps you in the line.
    i’m determined to finish wel even though i had a bad start but its not too late to start.
    ese gn o.

    Reply

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