DAY 18: KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE PRIZE
by Pastor Heiden Ratner
Sep. 18th, 2025
“The reward for humility and fear of the LORD is riches and honor and life.” – Proverbs 22:4
DEVOTION
As a basketball player, there are few things I love more than knocking down a three-pointer. After all, 3 is greater than 2, right? Growing up, that was my thing. In fact, during my sophomore year of high school, I had a breakthrough season that led to me receiving the Nevada Gatorade Player of the Year Award. What an honor! That award was the reward for countless shots, practices, and focus on the court.
From an earthly standpoint, I’m grateful for that recognition. But today, I realize there is an even greater reward that only the Lord can give. And just like my game, it’s also a “three-pointer.”
Solomon tells us, “The reward for humility and fear of the LORD is riches and honor and life” (Proverbs 22:4). When we choose humility and walk in the fear of the Lord, the result is a reward that far outweighs any trophy.
Humility is simply “self on the shelf.” As C.S. Lewis put it: “Humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.” It’s taking the spotlight off of us and putting it where it belongs—on Him. That’s what it means to fear the Lord: to stand in awe of His holiness, power, and goodness, and to say, “I want to be on His team!” The outcome is an all-net, trifecta: Riches. Honor. Life.
-
Riches may look like material blessing, but often it’s deeper—true joy, peace, and a sense of purpose. You smile more. You live fuller. You enjoy God in everyday life.
-
Honor is about respect and esteem. It builds confidence, brings encouragement, and creates a culture where everyone feels valued.
-
Life is the sweetest reward of all. More life. Abundant life. Eternal life. And it’s only found in Jesus (John 14:6).
When we live in humility and the fear of the Lord, we go 3-for-3. Don’t settle for anything less. Keep your eye on the prize and trust God to be your reward—in this season and beyond!
C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis Signature Classics (New York: HarperCollins Publishers), 128
PRAYER
Father, thank You for the riches, honor, and life that are found in You. Help me grow in humility and walk in the fear of the Lord. Convict me quickly when I take my eyes off You or get distracted by anything else. I need You, Lord, and I thank You for Your continual grace. In Jesus’ name, amen!
CHALLENGE
Take time today to shoot your own “three-pointer.” Write down three specific ways you can walk in humility and the fear of the Lord—one in your thoughts, one in your words, and one in your actions. Then pray over them and ask God to help you follow through.
