Ready:
“Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship. Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing and perfect will of God.” —Romans 12:1-2
Set:
As an athlete, learning acceptable attitudes and behaviors comes with time and experience. Some of the high-level qualities’ athletes should have are trustworthiness, honesty, responsibility and respect. These qualities show up in the way you treat your teammates, your coaches, your parents, your friends and even the way you treat yourself. It takes discipline to routinely practice and cultivate these qualities in your life.
There is a very similar action of practicing certain qualities and living that are Christ centered. In practicing and living these out, you are living acceptable to God. The instruction given in Romans 12:1, says to present yourselves to God, holy and pleasing to Him, which should be a daily practice. He is your Creator and to be this kind of person, and to do this kind of practice, is being acceptable and pleasing to Him. He loves it.
This attitude and behavior aren’t secret or unknown. How do you want to be seen and treated? Then be that kind of person to others. Be this kind of person to your teammate, your coaches, your parents and your friends.
The second encouragement is from Romans 12:2. It clearly directs us to an internal action that makes all the difference. It is by being transformed not conformed. Being transformed into the likeness of Jesus is having acceptable Christ-like attitudes and behaviors. This transforming comes as we renew our minds and our thinking. We do this by thinking God thoughts and having Christ-like attitudes. It’s reminding yourself of what is true, noble, honorable, virtuous and thinking about these things.
The opposite is conforming, which is not acceptable. Not acceptable to God, not to others, and not to yourself. Conforming happens when you accept the patterns and practices, the attitudes and actions of others, that are not Christ centered. Things like dishonestly, bullying, cheating, breaking rules, disrespecting parents and coaches or arrogance. These are not Christ centered.
Follow the instruction from God. He will always lead you in the right way.
Go:
What are a few things you do that are acceptable to your teammates and coaches?
Do you have a pattern, a way about you, that is acceptable to God?
What few qualities can you work on, to be transformed into Christlikeness? How will you practice these qualities?
Workout:
Overtime:
“Heavenly Father, thank You for the directions about having acceptable qualities that please You. Give me courage and strength to practice these qualities. I want to be transformed by You and toward You, not conformed to the patterns of the world. I ask for Your help in this. In Jesus’ name, amen.”