Sara Tucholsky of Western Oregon University uncorked her first home run in her college career with two runners on base in a playoff game against Central Washington University. While rounding the bases, she missed first base. As she started back to tag it, she collapsed with a knee injury.

She was only able to crawl back to first but could do no more. She would be called out if her own teammates had helped her around the bases. Central Washington first baseman Mallory Holtman asked the umpire if she and her teammates could help Tucholsky. The umpire said there was no rule against it. “We started laughing when we touched second base,” Holtman said. “I said, ‘I wonder what this must look like to other people.”

“We didn’t know that she was a senior or that this was her first home run,” Wallace said. “That makes the story more touching than it was. We just wanted to help her.” Holtman said she and Wallace weren’t thinking about the playoff spot and didn’t consider the gesture something special. “In the end, it is not about winning and losing so much,” Holtman said. “It was about this girl. She hit it over the fence and was in pain, and she deserved a home run.”

Romans 16 – Play Vertical

In chapter 16, Paul wraps up Romans with a doxology (25-26), an expression of praise to God intended to bring glory to God. His example inspired several classical composers to place the words “Soli Deo Gloria” at the bottom of their manuscripts. The Latin phrase means “Glory to God Alone.” They wanted their accomplishments to glorify their Lord. The term signified that the work was produced for the sake of praising God. How can you use sports or your athletic achievements to glorify God?

While Sara Tucholsky’s illustration is inspiring, let me suggest a few elements that should be part of a Christian athlete’s or coach’s athletic performance: openly admit your dependence on the Lord for success; share credit with teammates; and express gratitude to God, both in prayer and in discussions with others. 

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete deliberately strive to glorify God in competition. They look for opportunities to serve others through the gifts God has blessed them with, to praise God.

Bible Memory Verse – “Now I urge you, brothers, to keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and stumblings contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them.” Romans 16:17 (LSB)

Click HERE for the Kingdom Sports Minute: Glorify Christ With Effort.

Our featured book this week is the book of James – The Faith-Fueled Athlete – by Bryan McKenzie. This is a 12-week study for coaches who want to put their faith into action. 

Click HERE to review.

To see our full catalog of over 200 Bible Study Guides and Devotions, click HERE