VARSITYAPOCALYPSE
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The Making of a Team
Words of Encouragement and Inspiration
Christian Football can be a useful tool for developing Christian character. Players will transfer Christian principles that they learn on the field to their daily walk. Learning to address challenges on the gridiron can have a significant impact on Christian character off the field.
To be an extraordinary athlete the football player must live out Christ-like behavior both on and off the field.
Glorifying God involves not only the recognition of, but also development and demonstration of Christ-like character traits such as: leadership, selflessness, bravery, devotion, strength, honesty, responsibility, trustworthiness, discipline, determination, effort, humility, accepting a challenge and going beyond what is comfortable, teamwork, commitment, resolve, wisdom, perseverance, inspiring others, and self-sacrifice.
To watch our team exhibit these characteristics throughout a game is commendable but to watch them demonstrate the traits off the field is indeed "more refreshing than an ice cold Gatorade" ** (the words of Matthew McCraw - see devotional below)
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Achieving More than You Think You Can
Posted: March 22, 2011 by matthewmccraw http://matthewmccraw.wordpress.com/
Today, as I was sweating out my Monday workout routine, the Lord taught me something that was more refreshing to me than a glass of ice cold Gatorade. As I was at the point where I thought I had to slow down the treadmill because I could take no more, two things happened. First, I became attentive to the song playing on my iPhone: “Forward Motion” by Relient K. The lyrics say, “I struggle with forward motion; we’ve all struggled with forward motion.”
Simultaneously, I also noticed on the television hanging on the wall a stone’s throw in front of me that a wrestler defeated his opponent and was celebrating in victory. As he “stood” victorious, he did so with no legs. As I ran, I smiled to myself and realized that I am capable of so much more than I think. Although, continuing the forward motion of running on that treadmill is difficult, it is certainly possible. Our Creator designed our bodies to achieve much more than we give them credit.
Reflecting upon this also opened my eyes that I am capable of so much more in my spiritual life. My body is able to do more because of the unique way God designed it. With discipline, determination, and effort my body can run at lengths it has never reached. Likewise, God can use me to do more for His kingdom than I ever thought possible. Accomplishing more for the kingdom of God also requires determination, discipline, and effort. However, much more is required than these three ingredients. Accomplishing much for the kingdom of God requires an utter dependence upon the Spirit of God. Not only is discipline required, but also holiness. Not only is determination required, but also humility. I can reach new goals with my body, but I cannot do it without the muscle, breath, and lifeblood that my God gave me. In the same manner, I can do much for the kingdom of God, but not by my strength, but by Christ who gives me strength.
