Ready:
“No one has greater love than this: to lay down his life for his friends.” —John 15:13
Set:
Following someone else’s example is a proven method for improvement. Young athletes imitate their favorite elite players on the playground and in competition. But eventually, there comes a point when trying to duplicate the move just doesn’t cut it. A real coach and practice are needed to institute lasting growth.
If we are going to grow and remain in Jesus Christ, as He commanded, then we need the same thing: a real coach and real practice.
Jesus is our coach. We walk as He walked.
Jesus spent time alone with God. Four separate times in the Gospel of Luke, it describes Jesus going off alone to pray (Luke 4:42, Luke 5:16, Luke 6:12, Luke 9:18). Doing the same thing in our lives doesn’t have to look fancy. We don’t need a special mountain. We just need to take time to spend with God, to set aside time and then protect it. Time with God transforms our lives in the best ways.
As coaches and athletes, we wouldn’t skip practice. The result of that would mean we wouldn’t improve, and we would have no idea what the game plan was. The same commitment applies to our time with God.
Time and again in the Gospels, Jesus demonstrates love. He calls a tax collector whom everyone else disliked to be part of His disciples (Matthew 9:9-12). He heals lepers who were outcasts from society (Luke 17:11-19). He wept when a friend passed away (Luke 11: 28-37) and washed the dirty feet of His disciples (Luke 13:1-8). Ultimately, He died on the cross because He loves us.
Do you show love to your teammates and fellow coaches? Is your life characterized by love for others?
Following the ways of Jesus means we are following a perfect coach. We can rest assured that being coached by Jesus will result in fruit in our lives.
Jesus always has the perfect game plan. Being Jesus’ disciple and following Him transforms our lives and motivates us to remain in Him. Knowing how and where He walks is the best way for us to follow.
Go:
Whose example have you been trying to follow?
What would it look like to follow Jesus more closely?
Workout:
Overtime:
“Lord, I want to walk Your way. You show me how to love my enemies, care for the hurting and live my life with humility, trust and serving. I want to carve out time with You, to know You better and produce lasting fruit in my life. Amen.”