With athletes having such regimented schedules, it might not be easy for them to find the space and time for Jesus. Pastors Bryan and Eddie have some tips on how to follow the one who matters most when it seems like your schedule might not allow it.
Compartmentalizing
If we can’t find time or space for Jesus, we’re not thinking rightly. It’s not about “fitting Jesus” into a busy schedule, but about realizing he bleeds into everything we do. He’s not something for your to-do list. We are not to compartmentalize Jesus like we do with study time, practice time, leisure time, etc., but to understand that he is in our relationships, our families, our work, our schools, and our sports. And he has something to say about all these things.
Who Jesus is and what he means should not be isolated from the rest of your life. If this is how you’re living, you’re not thinking rightly about what it means to follow Jesus.
[Related: Who Are You Playing For?]
Priority
It’s easy for Jesus to fall by the wayside when life gets so busy, but Eddie learned in college that we make time for the things we want to do. If he falls to the bottom of your priority list, he’s soon going to fall off the list entirely. Where does Jesus fall on your priority list?
[Related: Three Marks of a Great Team Leader]
Community
If you’re lacking people to hold you accountable in your faith, then you may likely fall off the table. You can’t live an isolated faith. You need the accountability and encouragement of Christian community to keep you solid in Christ. That’s why the Bible says,
Hebrews 10:24-25 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.
This will help you prioritize Jesus and will help guard you against compartmentalizing.
Life is always going to be busy, even when your athletic career ends. That’s why it’s important right now to begin taking steps toward letting Jesus have rulership and influence over everything you do. The Bible says that Jesus is both our savior and our Lord. Are you living like this is true?
Discussion Questions:
- Watch the video together or invite someone to summarize the topic.
- What is your initial reaction to this video? Do you disagree with any of it? What jumped out at you?
- As an athlete or coach, do you feel that you or your athletes are constantly riding full throttle with busyness? Why is it like this? If it isn’t like this, why isn’t it?
- “Who Jesus is and what he means should not be isolated from the rest of your life.” What does this mean? What would it look like if it was being fully applied in your life?
- “We make time for the things we want to do.” What are the top three things on your priority list? If Jesus isn’t in the top three, where is he on the list? Explain why.
- Read Hebrews 10:24-25. Do you have a community to help keep you on the right path with Jesus? If you don’t, what practical steps do you need to take to make it happen? Explain.
- Write a personal action step based on this conversation.
