Winning At Tryouts

Ready:  

“Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people.” — Colossians 3:23  

Set:  

Athletes approach tryouts from two basic angles. One is from a position of fear. For them, tryouts are dreaded. Am I good enough to make the team? What if the coach doesn’t like me? I worked hard in the offseason, I played extra games, I worked in the gym with weightlifting. You start to sort it out in your mind: who is trying out? Is there even a chance you can make it?   

Others approach tryouts with a sense of confidence. Maybe they were on the team last year and were either a starter or had significant playing time. During the offseason when there were scrimmages and they played a lot. They approach tryouts without concern of making or not making the team. It’s expected they will make the team.   

Each player who has experienced tryouts knows the reality of tryout disappointments and rewards.  Perhaps there is a third angle. A biblical angle that is a direct way to approach tryouts.  

The direct way given to us from the Bible is from Colossians 3:23. It states that “Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people”. That’s direct and clear – whatever it is you do, do it from your heart. Determine to do whatever it is with a sincere perspective and commitment from your heart. Give 100% effort no matter what. The motive is that you are doing it for the Lord Jesus, not for any other reason. You can work hard, give your best effort, with all the energy and a competitive focus, and do it all for Jesus. He is close to you each step of the way. He wants you to do it this way. It’s the right way because if you do it for the Lord then the outcome doesn't matter.  

Go: 

1. Are tryouts a difficult or easy thing for you? What makes them easy or difficult? 

2. How does it change things when you determine to do everything for the Lord and not people? 

Workout: 

Overtime: