Name Tags: You are… Athletes

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only, but also to all who have loved His appearing.

2 Timothy 4:7-8 (NKJV)

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross…

Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV)

Studying God's Playbook seriously, following my Captain's written Orders…

  • Hitting the devil with the Word of God,

  • Staying on the field without turning back,

  • Running toward the goals my Coach assigns,

  • Pausing and reaching out to help others,

  • Going deeper and higher in prayer,

  • Pushing through some hairy situations,

  • Refusing to settle down on the bench,

  • Multiplying the talents I've been given,

  • Facing the naysayers with confidence,

  • Giving God the glory for my best plays,

  • Denying temptations that weaken me,

  • Exercising my faith regularly,

  • And thinking of the team more than myself...

Are my efforts toward athleticism:) Because I'm NOT a physical athlete, but I still like to cheer for a good game!

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

Stars on sports fields and stars on mission fields share many crucial characteristics, including:

  1. They realize their talent must be grown.

  2. They’re grateful to be on the winning team.

  3. They work hard and practice self-discipline.

  4. They study and obey their Captain’s calls.

  5. They also study the enemy's game.

  6. They learn how to take hits and rise again.

  7. They brush off small losses and push forward.

  8. They know to win it, they MUST stay in it.

  9. They exercise in their off-seasons, too.

  10. They avoid bad habits and distractions.

  11. No matter what comes, they hold onto hope!

  12. They’re kind to fans and ignore all the boos!

  13. They keep their focus on the end-time goal.

Your Captain, Jesus, teaches you the game. Your Owner, God, loves to see your best moves. Your field coach, Paul, keeps encouraging you… giving new meaning to these two verses:

“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God Who works in you, both to will and to do for His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:12-13).

Name Tags: You Are… Athletes (Part 8)

* A fair-play passage you must remember: 

* Never gloat in your victory:

'Do not rejoice when your enemy falls,
And do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles;
Lest the Lord see it, and it displease Him…' (Proverbs 24:17-18).

NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players.’ Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.

Carey Arban