Devotion: An FCA Devotional For CompetitorsSample

Making A Point

Ready: “For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. So you are also complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.” - Colossians 2:9-10

Set:  After Western Washington’s Bethany Drake claimed the NCAA Division II national title in the javelin, she spent the next summer focusing on the sport she loved—how she could get even better, throw even farther and, eventually, repeat as national champ. Success was her identity, and she devoted her time and energy into becoming the best, to prove her worth.

She knew what a “good Christian” looked like, and she fooled herself into believing a certain set of actions earned you that title: doing and saying the right things, going to church and reading her Bible. To her, God was not a distant deity, but a close Creator who desired intimacy with His children, so Drake’s identity was driven in her ability to throw a javelin.

But when the opportunity to repeat her success was stripped away by a stress reaction in her spine, she experienced freedom from self-placed pressure when all she had was time alone with God and space to take a good examination of her heart. Because of Christ’s servant example and His endless love, Drake turned her fervor fully on Him.

Christ deems us worthy of His Kingdom when we recognize and accept His saving work on the cross. From that comes an outpouring of all we are to His cause, for His Kingdom.

You are not your wins, losses or accolades. You and I have nothing to prove to the world; our responsibility is to pour God’s love into thirsty souls. Let’s make it a point that in all we say, think and do, we point to Christ. – Dave Pond with Sarah Rennicke

Go:

1. In what might you be tempted to put your worth?
2. Where do you need Christ’s freedom in your life?
3. How can you best serve your team today?

Overtime:  God, I do not want my worth to be in temporary wins and awards. Instead, make my identity firm in who You have called me to be, rest in that, and respond out of great devotion to Your love. Help me to take freedom in You to a hurting world. Amen.