Following their 26-14 win over Baylor University in the Sugar Bowl, Georgia Quarterback Jake Fromm said, “I praise God for the opportunity to come out here and play. I want to represent Christ the best I can. I hope I can reach and influence as many people as possible. I’m thankful to play here; this university is amazing. And to play here every single game, every single moment has been a blessing. I’m so thankful to be able to play here.” 

Have you ever wanted to impress someone so badly that you were willing to do almost anything? Jake Fromm had a different approach than many coaches and athletes who live their lives trying to impress others above everything else. Instead, he was more concerned with pleasing God above all else.

 Galatians 1 – Greater Glory

As followers of Christ, our motivation should be to please God. As we move into Galatians, we see that Paul is also concerned about people pleasers. Paul warns the Galatians that they need to please God rather than men (1:10). The Judaizers likely accused Paul of being a people-pleaser because he taught freedom from the law to the Gentiles. They probably thought Paul was making Christianity too easy for the Gentiles.

Paul was sharp in condemning the false teachers. It is clear from this chapter that Paul was not interested in pleasing men but rather God. Paul was willing to pay the price for preaching the gospel. 

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete are most concerned with representing God in their coaching and playing. They are willing to pay the price when they need to boldly speak the gospel truth to those who would proclaim a false gospel.

Bible Memory Verse – “And He has said to me [Paul], ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.’ Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 (LSB)

Click HERE for the Kingdom Sports Minute: People Pleasing

Our featured book this week is Next Step – An Athlete’s Journey (5 essentials for growth in spirit, body & mind), written by Todd Johnson.

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