Daily devotion – an athlete for God
I was at the Fremantle Football Club Monday, where I have been a chaplain now for nearly 25 years, a mission field for Christ with a difference.
The temperature was nearing 37 degrees, (100F) in the old measurement and the players were going full tilt. AFL players are elite athletes and to be at such a high professional level, great demands are placed upon each individual in order to achieve success. Each player has a personal GPS attached to them, and as they train every aspect of their physical output is measured. They will run close to an average of 10kms each training session which is made up of consistent high levels of sprinting and endurance running at speed.
On the sidelines sits a team of statisticians with their computers monitoring heart rate and player output. The sports science people can see whether a player is running or performing at their peak or hindered by an injury or illness. The figures paint the picture so there is no hiding or any capacity to take it easy! You will hear the sports science people call out, “Player X is running at 88% at this moment and their fastest speed was X kms”.
What’s this got to do with following Christ? Paul often uses athletic terms to describe our walk with God and our ministry to Him.
1Co 9:27 I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.
1Co 9:24 Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!
Heb 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.
2Ti 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.
As I watched the players running, bashing their bodies in physical clashes, they were sweating profusely, exhausted, they never stopped – I thought on what Christ has called each of us to in order to follow Him.
As followers of Christ, Paul exhorts us to give our all. To not be distracted by the ways of the world but to be disciplined like elite athletes in our putting Jesus first.
Ephesians 5: 15 So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. 16 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. 17 Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. 18 Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit.
Athletes of the world give their all and strive for rewards and prizes that will fade and be forgotten. But for each saint who seeks God’s kingdom first there awaits an eternal reward – God Himself will welcome you at the end of your endeavours for Him.
Jas 1:12 God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
This reward you will have with you forever!