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A Healthy Heart
READY:
“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the everlasting way.” – Psalm 139:23-24
SET:
Jill wants to be a starter, but Shay is more talented and plays while Jill sits on the bench. Jill would never tell anyone, but when Shay plays poorly or gets injured, Jill feels mixed emotions because it means more playing time for her. Eric likes his teammate Jamal, but when Jamal has success, Eric feels two things he is not proud of – upset that Jamal was honored and upset that Eric wasn’t. Sarah cares far more about how she performs than if the team wins or loses.
None of these reactions should be part of a healthy team, but they are a reality. If you take an honest look into your heart, you may find that you have experienced some emotions that certainly do not belong in the heart of a Christ follower. In a Kingdom where Jesus commands us to love our enemies, isn’t it obvious that we should love our teammates?
Why do you have these feelings you don’t want? Jeremiah 17:9 says, “The heart is more deceitful than anything else, and incurable – who can understand it?” Can that change? Yes. Pray the bold prayer of the psalmist: Search me…test me…see if there is any offensive way in me.
With the Lord’s help you can be the teammate everyone wants to have. Your team can be life-giving, filled with players who accept their roles and celebrate the success of others.
GO:
- Have you been upset when a teammate gets an honor, wishing they didn’t?
- Do you get more excited with your personal success or team success?
- Do you have feelings of jealousy, rivalry, and selfishness?
WORKOUT:
- 1 Peter 4:8-9
- James 3:16
- Mark 12:28-31
OVERTIME:
Father, change my heart to reflect You so I can love my teammates well. Amen.
Scripture
About this Plan
Every competitor faces a moment in his or her career when they must rise. Jesus Christ gives strength and courage to carry your faith into your sport and make a difference for Him. It’s time to rise! The FCA Rise Devotional tackles issues that coaches and athletes face during competition and in life. This 31-day plan will also help establish a consistent, daily quiet time with God, and includes extra readings and suggested prayer. We would like to thank the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for providing this plan.
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