In the 1991 movie City Slickers, Jack Palance offers Billy Crystal some profoundly simple advice. When Crystal asks him the secret of life, Palance (Curly) holds up a forefinger and responds with the “one thing” in life, which is the most important to you and will solve all your problems. Coaches and athletes often spend their entire careers searching for the “one thing” without ever finding it.

When was the last time you heard someone say, “I’m good! I’ve got all that I need!”? This mindset permeates the world of athletics. A steady flow of new and improved apparel, facilities, and training equipment comes from every direction—all designed to help us succeed. Trophies, medals, and plaques lead even Christian athletes and coaches to believe their earthly achievements can translate into heavenly rewards. 

Philippians 3 – The Prize

Though Paul enjoyed every privilege Judaism offered, he never regretted his choice to follow Christ. In chapter 3, he describes the “one thing” in his new life in Christ. Now, he was working toward the goal of spiritual maturity. This focused goal of growing in Christlikeness motivated Paul in his missionary work and helped him find joy in all circumstances.

Paul’s life’s greatest desire was “that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead” (vv. 10, 11). This motivated him to relentlessly seek a deeper personal knowledge of Christ. His passionate longing serves as an example for all Christians to pursue the “one thing!” Paul says, “But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (vv. 13b, 14).

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete understand they aren’t perfect in Christ but seek to know Christ more deeply. Their pursuit of Christ is driven and inspired by Christ.

Bible Memory Verse – “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 (LSB)

Click HERE for the Kingdom Sports Minute: One Thing

Our featured book this week is Ecclesiastes – The Forward-Looking Athlete. (A  10-Week Bible Study For Athletes Who Want To Compete With The End In Mind), written by Joshua Thiessen.

 Click HERE to review.

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