If we grew up in Sunday School or listened to our children after church, more than likely we have heard the song “This Little Light of Mine.”
As believers, we are being called by Jesus and reminded in this song that we are to shine the light of Christ. Lights are not dim but bright. Lights are not hidden but show the way.
WARM-UP
Who is an example of a coaching couple/family that shines their light for Christ? Send them a message and tell them.
What are some ways you can shine the light of Christ as a coaching family?
WORKOUT Clemson head football coach Dabo Sweeney was quoted as saying, “Make sure the light in you is brighter than the light shining on you.” Being a coach and part of a coaching family, there seems to be a spotlight on us. People watching to see how we act. Fans wanting to see how we react. And if people are watching, the question is, What are they seeing? In Acts 10, we meet a man by the name of Cornelius. Cornelius was a centurion, a leader of 80-100, men in the Roman army. And what type of leader was he in the spotlight?
God heard Cornelius’s prayers. God saw how Cornelius loved people. God sent Peter to Cornelius.
Up to this point, the message and salvation of Jesus were for the Israelites. God used Cornelius to show Peter that Jesus wanted to bring salvation to all those who would seek Him, even those who are different from him. God used Peter to show Cornelius: God sees us, hears us, wants to use us and will send others to help us.
As a coaching family, we have been given a mission field of people that may think different from us and players/ coaches/families that may come from a different background than us. God’s desire for us is to celebrate our differences but serve the same God.
Cornelius was still an Italian. He was still a leader in the Roman army. He was still a Gentile. But now as a follower of Jesus, God will use him exactly where God has him to share Jesus, show Jesus and serve his army in the name of Jesus. His mission field will look different from Peter’s. As a Christian family, we are all on a mission together and individually. Let Christ’s light shine through you.
WRAP-UP
What encourages you about the story of Cornelius and Peter?
Going along with FCA’s E3 (Engage, Equip and Empower Discipleship strategy), write down 5 names God has placed in your life that He wants you to serve and share Christ.
As you pray over these names together, be reminded that we believe because of what Christ has done and we believe because of the hope, joy and peace of what the Holy Spirit is going to do.