Ready:
"It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ is not known, so that I would not be building on someone else's foundation."
-Romans 15:20
Set:
I recently read Rick Warren's book "Better Together" for a series our church was going through. In it he discussed how important it is to share our faith, be a witness and show the love of Christ. One of the analogies he gave was this: "If you knew the cure for cancer or aids, and you kept it a secret, telling no one while millions continued to die, would that be loving? Of course not. If you knew the key to extending human life by 50 years, would you want to share it with others? Of course you would. But as believers who've learned the way to eternal life, we have an even more important, longer lasting, and urgent message to share with the world, and love leaves no choice. Because love cares about the destiny of others."
Why are we so afraid of sharing our beliefs? Why are we timid when explaining the love we possess? Second Timothy 1:7-8 says, "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord . . . but join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God."
Today, consider sports as a mission field; and ask yourself, when you are on the field, who are you living and fighting for?
Go:
1. Is your attitude on the field the same as it is when in fellowship with believers? Does it need to change?
2. Are you trying to impress the unbelievers or be an example?
3. What is the driving force behind your actions?
4. Is there someone on your team with whom you have neglected to share the life-giving news of the gospel?
Workout:
Matthew 5:14-16
Matthew 28:18-20