READY:
SET:
Learning all the rules of a sport takes time. Some rules are easy to learn but others are more obscure. Did you know there is a rule in soccer that says the goalkeeper can only hold on to the ball for 6 seconds?
In John 15 Jesus tells us that if we keep His commands we will remain in His love. Since we are human, we know we cannot keep God’s commands all of the time, perfectly but what are the commands we are to keep.
Some are ones we already know: love your neighbor (Mark 12:31); do to others as you want them to do to you (Matthew 7:12); love the Lord (Mark 12:30). Some are commands we learn as we spend time in God’s Word: make disciples (Matthew 28:19); love your enemy (Matthew 5:44); forgive others (Matthew 6:14).
We are going to mess up and disobey a command. Remaining does not require perfection, it means returning and staying. When you don’t love your opponent or an official or when you use your words to tear down instead of build-up, acknowledge you are wrong, ask for forgiveness and try again.
As we bear the fruit that comes from remaining in Jesus we will remain in His love more and more. The direct result of remaining is obedience because we won’t want to be anywhere else but in Jesus’ love.
GO:
- What is a rule for your sport that you didn’t know existed until you started coaching?
- What is your plan to get to know God’s commands? Write down your plan and share it with someone who can help hold you accountable.
WORKOUT:
OVERTIME:
“Lord, I know the rules are there to protect me and my athletes but I rebel sometimes. Help me to love Your commands and teach them to others. I want to remain in Your love. Turn me away quickly when I chosenot to follow them. Help me to return to You, always. In Jesus’ name, amen.”