Last Friday night, San Saba and Goldthwaite faced off in the “Battle Of The River.” This is one of the oldest rivalries in the state. If you grew up in San Saba, or if you have lived here for any length of time, you’ve learned about the importance of this game. In the history of this matchup, there have been many “extracurricular” activities eg. spray painting bridges, dead armadillos thrown out, defacing school property. These incidents only help to keep the intensity of the rivalry going. The game itself is usually somewhat heated. Both sides are pumped and ready. Tempers have been known to flair up. But all in all, it is a fun central Texas tradition.
Here is the thing about rivalries. What matters most is this year. It really doesn’t make a difference if San Saba won the game 35 years ago or if Goldthwaite won 35 years ago. The most important game is the one happening now…or in our case, the game that happened last Friday. This is what keeps old rivalries going. The rivalry is never settled or finished. There is always the next game. San Saba football players don’t rely on past victories, nor should they trust in future victories. What matters is the “right now.”
The Christian life is like this. Those who have been changed by Jesus must choose to obey Him in the “right now.” The Apostle Paul talked about this idea in Philippians 2:12;
“Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling”
Followers of Jesus must continue to do good works as a result of their salvation. This is a key point. Many people have this sequence of events confused. Christians are called to do good things because they have been saved…not in order to be saved. Our salvation is and was an unmerited gift. We received something we could not earn. In light of God’s free gift of grace, we must respond in grateful obedience. This is one of the key doctrines behind the protestant reformation. Salvation is by faith alone. But true saving faith must produce good works.
The German reformer Martin Luther said this about good works. “Our good works do not generate righteousness, rather our righteousness in Christ generates good works.”
If you have been transformed into a new creation by Jesus, then live like it. That means daily obedience to what God has asked you to do revealed to us through His word. That obedience only happens in the “now.” Ultimately we only have “now.” You can do nothing about the past and you are not promised the future. Christian, the present is where you live. How will you respond?
The Battle Of The River happens only once a year. But opportunities to obey Jesus happen every minute of every day. The ultimate act of obedience to Jesus is to put your faith in Him for salvation, declare Him to be the Lord of your life, and turn from your sins. Do this and you will be saved.