Josh was a talented high school basketball player who worked hard to overcome his lack of size. Despite being only 5-foot-8, he was able to lead his team in scoring and assists. He spent extra time after each practice, becoming a better 3-point shooter. In fact, during his junior season, he made a commitment not to leave the gym until he had made at least 20 straight 3-point shots. Just one miss would mean starting over. That’s commitment! I should know because that was my son, and the only reason he got to stay late in the gym was that I had the key!

As both his coach and father, I tried hard to help Josh understand that his childhood dream of playing basketball for Kansas was likely not going to happen with his size. He had above-average athletic ability but nothing that would help him stand out to D1 college coaches. I wanted him to be satisfied with the gifts and opportunities God had given him. I taught him that he would never bring as much glory to God as when he was doing sports God’s way with the way he was created and gifted to play sports. I didn’t want him longing for gifts or opportunities that might not be available.

1 Corinthians 12 – The Source of All Gifts

The Corinthian church faced problems with spiritual gifts. In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul provides a biblical understanding of spiritual gifts. Some of the Corinthians viewed individual gifts as a measuring stick of their level of spirituality. They thought some gifts were more important than others. Paul taught them the value of all spiritual gifts and declared each gift came from the same source—the Holy Spirit. He focused not so much on the details of each gift but on how the gifts together could produce a healthy and functioning church.

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete exercise the gifts they have been given and take hold of the opportunities to serve God with them. They are satisfied with the gifts they have been given and do their best to honor the Giver.

Journaling helps you understand and respond to the Bible. As you journal, use the acronym HEAR to Highlight, Explain, Apply, and Respond to what you have read in the reading plan.

Bible Memory Verse – “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. And there are varieties of workings, but the same God who works everything in everyone.” 1 Corinthians 12:4-6

Click HERE for the Kingdom Sports Minute on Spiritual Gifts