The sports world loves to pay tribute to great athletes and coaches. Halls of fame, retired jerseys and numbers, street names and building names all honor famous sports heroes. But what are they really honoring? Some were great men and women off the field, but for the most part those things honor great achievements in athletics. In my book there's nothing wrong with that until we look at how we truly honor Christ in our sporting careers.

As coaches and athletes, how do we honor the Lord? Do we honor Him with our words? With our daily practice ethics? With our personal integrity? Honoring Christ is just as much an on-the-field endeavor as an off-the-field one. I've heard from many coaches, "I just try to compartmentalize my coaching and Christianity. " Pick one! Which one are you truly trying to be? Believe it or not, you CAN be both at the same time.

Joshua understood this concept well. He was a teammate under Moses' leadership, but then moved into a coaching role after Moses' death. Joshua was a fierce leader and competitor, but he told people where he truly stood. He knew his purpose was to honor the Lord and serve Him with everything he had. Joshua knew he needed to be both a leader and Christian at the same time in order to give his life meaning and purpose.

Where does that leave you? Do you battle to combine your faith and your sport? If so, why? Christ probably doesn't want you to leave your sport, but He certainly wants you to coach and compete fiercely for Him and for His honor and glory. So I ask you this. . . Are you trying to honor Christ or yourself in your sport? If we honor Christ as we coach and play, we will act differently, talk differently and live differently, but that doesn't mean we have to play with less intensity.

Today, be like Joshua! Honor Christ and serve Him with all you are. Coach for Him! Play for Him! Honor Him will all that you have. You can do it!