Do It All in the Name of the Lord

Ready

“And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.” -- Colossians 3:17, NLT

Set

There is an expectation for Christian athletes who are in the limelight to give praise to Jesus anytime they are being interviewed. In my own experience, I found this to be a very odd pressure. If I said Jesus’ name in an interview, praise followed by other believers. Other times, when I didn’t mention Jesus, I would be critiqued.

Anyone who follows social or mainstream media, can identify there are societal pressures of being a Christian. How do we praise God while using our platform without feeling pressure or without turning it into work? How do we do everything in the name of Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him authentically or without feeling like we have to impress someone else? Is it simply a matter of saying the name of Jesus in an interview?

It’s pretty clear throughout Scripture how Jesus felt about people simply using their mouths to praise God. He stood against all talk and no action, and it’s important I highlight this notion in today’s sports. While I’m totally for giving thanks and praise to God in public, I believe it should only be met with a life that is equally as committed to Jesus as the words we speak.

Ultimately, people will notice the lives we live rather than the things we say. So when we focus on the way we live for Christ, rather than the words we say, we draw people closer to His light.

Authentic praise to Jesus will be met with a life that reflects the character and principles of Jesus. If our hope is to really praise Jesus in and through our sport, may our praise be met with lives that reflect the image of the Lord Jesus.

Go

• Have you ever felt pressure to mention your faith in Christ in public?
• How can you be intentional about viewing your entire day or event as praise to Jesus?

Workout

Colossians 3:23; Matthew 5:8

Overtime

“Lord, my desire is to know You more. My hope is to honor and glorify Your name by the kind of life that I live. If I get the chance to say Your name using my platform, may it come from a place of authenticity and joy, never out of obligation. All in the name of Jesus, amen.”

Author Bio

Trey Canard raced professional motocross for 10 years and has been involved with FCA Motocross since 2011. After finishing his racing career in 2017, Trey now works as a test rider for American Honda. Trey, his wife Hannah and their son August live in Oklahoma.