Sports Devotional 4/7/2000
Updated Feb 01, 2002
April 7
From the Game Plan: Read Colossians 3:1-17
Summary of Colossians 3:1-17: The Christian has been given a unique position in relationship to Christ. Therefore, the believer should have thoughts that are God-ward. Some things of this world need to be put away, such as sexual immorality, greed, lust, and other sins. Other things need to be added, such as compassion, kindness, gentleness, and patience. Christians should be people of peace and people of praise. In everything, Christians should do it all in God's name.
Point of Emphasis
"Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus." -- Colossians 3:17
Car racing legend Bobby Unser faced the toughest race of his life -- and won. He and a friend, Robert Gayton, were snowmobiling in New Mexico when both of their sleds quit working. Snowdrifts as high as their chests, temperatures as low as zero, and winds as stiff as 70 mph hampered their attempt to find shelter. They even had to spend one night in a snow cave they made. Late the next day they found a barn with a heater and a phone.
After the rescue, Unser said, "Every decision we made had to be right." He and his friend had experienced a terrifying struggle with the elements they couldn't control as they did everything possible to stay alive.
As Christians, we are living in a world that is hostile to our spiritual survival. Every day we go up against forces that could destroy us. Some are internal -- our pride and selfish desires. Some are external forces -- ungodly media influences, acquaintances who don't support our faith, the stresses of life. Wrong decisions as we face these "blizzards" can lead to destruction.
Every move we make -- each word and action -- must be done in Jesus' name (Colossians 3:17). We must live according to God's principles and act as we think Jesus would. That will make every move count. -- Dave Branon
Upon Further Review
What was one bad move I made in the past week? Have I talked it over with God since?
What areas in my life as a Christians are dangerous territory when it comes to making bad decisions? Would it help me to be accountable to some other Christian in these areas?
Action Point
Resource: When Christians Sin
Athlete of the Day
Perhaps you've heard stories of Christian athletes who have fallen, who have been caught doing something they shouldn't have done. Those athletes need our care and our prayer. But so do the Christian athletes who are battling temptation every day as they live in the unreal world of pro sports. Pick your favorite Christian athlete and ask God to put a wall of protection around him or her.
Prayer Strategy
For yourself: Seek God's guidance in decision-making and in choices. Ask Him to keep you away from things that will not help you grow stronger spiritually.
For your athlete: Pray for God's protection from sin.
Originally published March 29, 2001.
