Ready:
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” – Matthieu 5:9
Set:
It’s painful to see how deeply divided our country and world are. Sometimes the sports world isn’t much better. Ugly disputes and fights take place between teams and within teams. In the media, coaches and players snipe at other coaches and players. Athletes and coaches alike can be quick to get offended and hold grudges over slights, whether real or perceived.
In the face of conflict and division, we who live under Jesus’ reign as our King are to be different. In Matthew 5:9, Jesus says, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” When Jesus speaks of peace, He’s talking about more than the absence of conflict. Jesus is pointing to the presence of reconciliation. Those who work for peace experience in deeper ways the blessing of what it means to “be called sons of God”—His children. Why? Because we’re pursuing what our Heavenly Father desires for us and makes possible for us: reconciliation. According to Colossians 1:20, God was pleased “through [Christ] to reconcile everything to himself, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.”
As those who have been reconciled to God, how do we now live as peacemakers, including in the world of sports?
1. Promote peace with God. Live and compete with the conviction that what every person around you needs is not merely to “just get along” or “coexist.” The deepest need of each athlete and coach is to be rescued by Jesus from their separation from God. They need to know the good news that they can have peace with God through Christ. With your actions and your words, point people to Jesus.
2. Promote peace with one another. There will be times when you experience conflict, including with another athlete or coach. As one who has been reconciled to God through Christ’s costly sacrifice, pursue reconciliation with others. Be willing to pay the cost required, such as the cost of admitting you were wrong and humbly asking for forgiveness, or the cost of letting go of the desire to be seen as “right.” As you pursue reconciliation with others, you’re modeling what it means to be part of God’s family. And you’re pointing others to Jesus, the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).
Go:
With others on your team, how can you share and demonstrate the Gospel—the opportunity to have peace with God through faith in Christ?
Consider situations you’re currently facing in which you need to be a peacemaker. Trusting God’s power and grace, what next steps can you take to promote peace?
Workout:
Overtime:
“Lord Jesus, thank You that through Your work on the cross, I have peace with God. I pray that I would be a peacemaker on my team. Please give me the wisdom and grace I need to promote peace and point others to You. Amen.”