C O M P E T I T I O N I Corinthians 9:24 Today we’ll read one of my favorite scripture passages related to competition.  Every time I hear it, I want to play racquetball and wear somebody out. Paul writes to the Corinthian church in his first letter at chapter 9 and verse 24 saying, “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize?  Run in such a way as to get the prize.”  I like...

S T A N D A R D S I Corinthians 3:18 What is your standard for greatness, for intelligence, for wisdom?  How are these things measured in the world?  Real wisdom is measured differently. In the Apostle Paul’s first letter to his friends in Corinth at chapter 3 and verse 18, he writes, “Do not deceive yourselves.  If any one of you thinks he is wise by the standards of this age, he should become a ‘fool’ so that he...

I N F L U E N C E I Corinthians 3:6 Who has been the strongest influence on your athletic career?  Has there been more than one person who has made a significant impact in making you the player you’ve become?  Today’s scripture speaks about compounded influence. In Paul’s first letter to his friends in Corinth at chapter 3 and verse 6, he writes, “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it...

A T T I T U D E S I Peter 5:5-6 How would you describe the attitudes on your team as the youngest players relate to the eldest and to the coaching staff?  Are they respectful and honorable or arrogant and rebellious?  What value does humility have among you? Peter wrote about these dynamics in his first letter at chapter 5 and verses 5 and 6, “Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders.  Yes, all of you be...

S U F F E R I N G I Peter 4:12 When have you most recently suffered as a result of competition?  Was that suffering physical, emotional or mental in nature?  Did it seem like you were alone in your suffering?  That’s a very common feeling, but I have good news for those in the midst of trials. Peter wrote to his friends who were themselves undergoing intense suffering at chapter 4 and verse 12 of his first letter, “Beloved, do not...

G I F T S I Peter 4:10 Which of your athletic gifts is most important to you as a competitor?  Is it strength, speed, hand-eye coordination, your competitive nature?  Who is the giver of that gift?  What would be a proper response to your benefactor? Peter mentions giftedness in his first letter at chapter 4 and verse 10 where we read, “As each one has received a gift, serve one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of...