“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord” (Romans 12:11).

A little while ago a video started circulating online of Bobby Hastings, the head equipment manager for the Toronto Maple Leafs hockey team.

During a game, Hastings could be seen on the bench closely watching the play. When a player touched the puck on the ice, he would put his hand on that same player’s extra stick. (The extras were lined up behind the bench.) That way if the player broke their stick in the middle of a shift, Hastings would be able to immediately pass them their specific replacement. 

The video was intended to show Hastings’ attention to detail. During a game a player named Mitch Marner broke a stick. Hastings immediately passed Marner his back-up stick. He didn’t lose a stride, skated into the offensive zone, took a pass, and scored a goal.

Details matter. Diligence matters.

We live in a world of distractions. Every day we get tempted, threatened, and even sometimes deceived, so that we won’t focus on what God wants us to.

Are your spiritual practices consistent or casual? Is the rhythm of your home faithful or flat? When it comes to your friends, work, school or conversations, are you always the same person, or do you bend over backwards to people-please or fit in?

Details matter. Diligence matters.

In Romans 12 Paul speaks of having “zeal” and “spiritual fervor.” Over time, your passion can fade. So can your alertness to God-honouring things. When that happens, the Enemy likes to get close and cozy.

Don’t let him.

Details matter. Diligence matters.

“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.”

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Notes:

—Here’s what’s happening at Westminster Church this Holy Week (click here).

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.