For those unfamiliar with Evel Knievel, he was a hard-living, death-defying adventurer who went from convicted criminal to worldwide fame as a daredevil performer in the 1960s and ’70s. His death-defying stunts drew thousands and eventually millions as on multiple occasions, he came close to dying. At every event, he would mesmerize people by continuing to push the limits.
After years of breaking records and bones, he retired in 1980, telling reporters that he was “nothing but scar tissue and surgical steel.” According to the daredevil, he underwent as many as fifteen major operations to relieve severe trauma and repair broken bones – skull, pelvis, ribs, collarbone, shoulders, and hips. When asked why he continued doing these stunts despite the injuries and threat to life, “I created the character called Evel Knievel, and he sort of got away from me,” he said.
In 2007, at the age of 69, he died of failing health due to years of diabetes and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, an incurable lung condition. Add to this compromised health due to years of heavy drinking. During a public interview, he told reporters that at one point he was consuming a half a fifth of whiskey a day, washed down with beer chasers. Despite his inspiring bravery, he also left a legacy of reckless living.
His story reminds me of how God has a designated time for all of us on this earth. Considering this, we must invest our time here wisely to make sure we are following God’s will for our life. In the end, living according to God’s mandates will sometimes seem counter to our culture, but bolding doing so will earn us eternal rewards and a lasting legacy.
Daily Directive:
Answer and Journal the Following
Read:
Read and meditate on Ephesians 5:8-20.
Pray:
How are you making the most of your days? What are you trying to accomplish? Be real; be honest.
Meditate / Make It Real:
Pray to ask God to help you make the most of your days. Create a plan of action and set goals. As you do, keep eternity in mind. Be specific.
Share / Show:
Share this with a fellow brother and have them hold you accountable.