Athletes Aim For Something Bigger
AthleteWord: We TRAIN for goals out of this world because the FINISH LINE is further than you can see!
READ
Hebrews 5:7-10
REFLECT
Jesus was an athlete. We don’t have record of Him playing a sport, running a race, or lifting a barbell. But we have plenty of evidence that points to His desire to compete. Like an athlete, he set His aim on growing, developing, and pushing to be better.
DISCUSSION
- What is your picture of the knowledge, discipline, and abilities of Jesus while on earth? Do you see Him growing like us, or have you always believed He was born fully capable of all things?
It is interesting that Scripture actually speaks of Jesus growing and developing. This means as a human, there was a time when He did not possess full capability in all things. He needed to grow.
“Though He was God’s Son, He learned obedience through what He suffered.” – Hebrews 5:8 HCSB
“And it was only right that God should make Jesus, through His suffering, a perfect leader, fit to bring them into their salvation.” – Hebrews 2:10 NLT
“And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” – Luke 2:52
This does not mean Jesus sinned as He developed. The Bible is clear that He was sinless while growing to become the pattern we follow. However, Jesus can identify with the struggle we face, because He was “tested in every way as we are.”
So Jesus calls His followers to grow. Staying the same is not an option for those who want to experience the life God designed for His children. In fact, staying the same is not even possible. Athletes know we are either growing or losing ground. So just like in our training, spiritual connection to God cannot be maintained either. Followers of Jesus either grow to be more like Him, or they become more like the world. How will you develop as an athlete this year? But, more importantly, how will you grow this year as a follower of Jesus Christ? We look forward to walking alongside you toward this goal.
“Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” – 2 Peter 3:18
Skill Work
- Why do you train? What is your motivation?
- How does your faith in Jesus Christ affect your goals?
- Spend time in prayer asking for wisdom to set goals that honor God this year.
- Share with a friend.
This is well put. I have heard it often that in my marriage I am either growing closer with my spouse or we are growing apart, because you never just maintain. I like to think of it as each day adding a little more weight to the bar to grow stronger. Finding areas in life to add more and more of Christ and His example.