For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father!” The Spirit Himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God’s children, and if children, also heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—seeing that we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.–Romans 8:15-17
We’ve heard the saying, “If it walks like a duck, talks like a duck, acts and thinks like a duck, it must be a duck.” What are we? What do we walk and talk like? What do we act and think like? Let’s face it, the reason we play sports is to win—to be champions. In order to be champions, we have to walk, talk, act, and think like champions.
As Christians, we are already champions because of Jesus’ dying on the cross for our sin. By accepting Christ, God receives us as His adopted children. Since He is the King of kings, we become co-heirs—receiving all the benefits of being His child. To learn about those benefits, we must study God’s Word. The Bible is full of promises we inherit as children of God.
One inherited benefit is eternal life in heaven where we will be crowned champions. When we fully understand and believe that we are God’s children, we begin walking, talking, acting, and thinking like champions in Christ. To learn more, read the Competitor’s Creed. Read it as a part of your daily routine. Internalize it, and live it out in sports and in life.
1. Have you been walking, talking, and acting like a child of God?
2. How can you begin to act like a champion in competition and in everyday life?
Romans 8:31-39; 1 Corinthians 15:50-57
Father God, thank You for accepting me as Your child. Help me to be the champion You made me by becoming more like You. Amen.
