“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” – 2 Corinthians 3:17
During his Major League career, New York Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira has established himself as one of the premiere players in the game. The switch-hitting slugger lists two-time All-Star, four-time Gold Glove award winner, three-time Silver Slugger award winner and World Series champion among many other records and accomplishments on his résumé.
The pressure from media and fans to continue to produce at that level, under the brightest lights in baseball at Yankee Stadium, could be an obstacle, but for “Tex” it’s a motivator rather than a hindrance. Because he’s placed his faith in the Lord, he knows that regardless of his stats, his future is secure in God’s hands. That allows him to enjoy playing the game with freedom from the heavy expectations surrounding him. That same freedom is available to everyone who accepts Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior just as the Bronx Bomber did years ago.
Teixeira recently sat down with FCA to talk about his Christian faith, the pressures of playing for the New York Yankees and the legacy he hopes to leave behind. Click below to watch the video, then take a few minutes to answer the questions and read the related Scripture. Watch the video! [2]
1. What outside expectations and pressures do you face in your athletic or coaching career?
2. Is your main goal to bring glory to the Lord through your sport or to fill up the stat sheet and win column?
3. What’s one way you can encourage your teammates or the athletes you coach to play with the freedom that comes from knowing the Lord?
4. What kind of legacy do you want to leave?
Jeremiah 17:7
John 8:30-32
2 Corinthians 3:7-18