Our lives are full of coaches and athletes we admire for their incredible wisdom, leadership and talent. Whether it’s a high school coach who drew potential out of us, or a professional athlete whose ability leaves us in awe, we take pieces of their influence with us through our athletic career.
We’re impacted by those who excel in their sport to drive our physical talents, so why not look to people who emulate the life of Christ to enhance our spiritual walk?
If we want to improve athletically, we practice and keep in mind those whose talents drive us forward.
A heart on fire for the good of God is contagious.
If we want to improve spiritually, we lean on those who have gone before us and gleaned wisdom along the way.
Finding a mentor who will inspire us and keep us accountable is not only wise, but necessary. It’s a rough world that vies for our attention and threaten our faith if we’re not firmly established and identified with Christ. We need someone who will check in on us, pray for us and walk alongside us while reminding us of who God is and how great His love is towards us.
“Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus. You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.” (2 Timothy 2:1-2)
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We long to live a life pleasing to God, and a good starting point is to point ourselves in the direction of someone who has walked their faith journey well.
Take a look around. Is there someone whose faith you admire? An older woman or man at church, or a small group leader? A teammate with solid faith who lives out the love of God each day? Observe their habits and what they say. What makes them approachable? How do you sense the presence of God through them? What makes them the way they are?
Chances are that these attributes took time, patience and trust to develop. Over the years, God has stretched and shaped their faith, much like He’s doing with us now. They’ve most likely anchored their hearts to the truth of God and His Word and remained consistent in a daily relationship, so when seasons of storms surge into their lives, they remain steadfast and confident in God’s faithfulness.
“But blessed are those who trust in the Lord
and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.
They are like trees planted along a riverbank,
with roots that reach deep into the water.
Such trees are not bothered by the heat
or worried by long months of drought.
Their leaves stay green,
and they never stop producing fruit.” (Jeremiah 17:7-8)
One of our own goals should be to become the man or woman God intends for us that exhibits the heart of Christ. When we’re full of a solid faith foundation, our teammates, coaching staff, families and friends will take notice. Walking through life learning from those whose faith we look up to will help us cultivate our own hearts to seek after the things of God. When we glean wisdom and insight from those who have given their lives to Jesus, our own lives are transformed to light a way for those around us to see God and His Kingdom.
“We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God’s Good News but our own lives, too.” (1 Thessalonians 2:8)
It’s a continual cycle of learning and sharing, investing time into another person while propelling yourself further into God’s refinement. A heart on fire for the good of God is contagious. Keep the flame burning and always stay on the lookout for someone who will challenge and inspire you to walk out a Christ-like life every day.
One way to get in God’s Word is to have it delivered straight to your inbox with FCA’s Daily Impact Play, a lineup of devotionals by coaches, athletes, staff and volunteers that share how to live out God’s Word in our lives.
Want to learn more about accountability and getting into God’s Word? Head to FCA in Action and read our March Pursue articles:
Anchor Article: Accountable: Reach for Truth
Article Two: The Straight Path: Accountability Keeps Us Grounded
About The Author:
Sarah Freymuth is the communications manager for FCA and writes content for blogs, articles, Bible reading plans and devotionals that share God's heart with coaches and athletes. She played softball for Concordia University Wisconsin, is in their Hall of Fame, and has led FCA Huddles since high school. Dark roast coffee makes her happy, as does telling stories about God and His people to the world. Connect with her at sfreymuth@fca.org.
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