Peyton Manning, best QB ever?

Seeing as my blog is based on this "Honest Thoughts" series, I'll be sharing random thoughts that land themselves within my mind throughout the week!
This last Monday night, I had an open schedule, which doesn't happen often. My wife was hosting a Miche party over at the church leaving me home alone, and it was Monday night, leaving only one thing left for me to do. Watch Monday Night Football! The Denver Broncos were hosting the Oakland Raiders. The entire pre game show was focused on beating Peyton Manning and his seemingly infinite knowledge of defenses. For those of you unfamiliar with the NFL and its future hall of fame quarterback, Peyton Manning, he is, to say the least, one of the greatest who has ever played. He is most known for his ability to "audible" and change the play at the line of scrimmage. He looks over the defense, sees what they are lined up to dish out, and he will decide what play is best for countering their attack. It goes without saying that his athletic talent and ability to sling the pigskin is at a level most quarterbacks will never achieve. With that being said, here are some of my thoughts on this quarterback who has set new records during each of his first three games this season.
1. I admire Peyton Manning for his knowledge of defenses. He spends hours upon hours studying his next opponent. He has an answer for just about every play the opposition brings. Although he may not succeed on every snap of the ball, he has the upper hand before the game even starts.
2. He won't settle for just playing the game. He has admitted that when his passion for the game and desire to really compete leaves,  he will leave the NFL. ("As soon as I'm just hanging on or just playing to fill a certain amount of years, that's when I'll be out." Peyton Manning Still Going Strong, espn.go.com)
3. He won't settle for anything but giving his best. He is one of the greatest to play the game because of the work he puts into his job.
(Switch gears...)
How many people in this world are genuinely interested in being the best they can be in their current position?
As a youth pastor, my job includes visiting the schools and connecting with students. During the week, I may be asked to be a substitute teacher, I may be planning an event for our youth ministry, preparing for one of two weekly services for our junior and senior high students, or studying and praying for spiritual growth and seeking vision for our ministry and church.
I can't help but think- what if I strived to be the best I could possibly be by putting in the hours of preparation and study to counter my opposition. What if I knew what is going to happen before the devil sends it my way? Peyton Manning isn't just an example of how to be an all time great in the NFL, he is an example of how to be the best in any area of our lives.
Where is your passion? Are you striving to be the best or to just fill a gap? Are you putting in the hours to counter the oppositions attacks? Do you have the faith to say, "God can use me to break the mold, to set records, to be an ignition source for a wildfire of salvation"?
My thought: Be the best at what you do, not for recognition, not for having your name on a record plaque, but because God needs us to be at our best. His kingdom will grow when we give our best. His glory will be revealed in our lives with hours of prayer and study. Strive to be the best so others may see God.
Matthew 5:16- In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
Go! Strive to be your best! Give God the glory!