Tony Dungy and Tim Tebow are among the most outspoken Christian leaders in sports. Several years ago, the NFL tried to stop post-game prayers between members of opposing teams. Coaches and players prayed anyway. “There were never any fines that I know of,” said Tony. “Christ won out on that one, and I was happy to see it.”

Tony Dungy and Tim Tebow are salt and light, just as Jesus said His disciples would be. Jesus addressed the issue of behavior in Matthew 5, giving two-word pictures describing what it means to be a Christian athlete or coach. Salt preserves and light illuminates. A little salt goes a long way in penetrating and cleansing the world. Salt adds flavor, melts the ice of those who have become cold toward Christ, and heals wounds. 

Stay Salty – Matthew 5

Our only fear should be losing our saltiness or covering up our light. How can we lose saltiness? We lose it by becoming like the evil world around us, and we no longer preserve society. Unbelievers are often kept from sin because of a moral consciousness traced to a Christian influence. But when Christians do the same things they do, watching the same filthy movies and polluting our lives with hours of TV, we become contaminated. Sadly, many “Christians” act no different from the world! 

A “salty” Christian causes others to thirst for more information about God! Salt naturally seasons (influences) everything it touches. It is not antiseptic (kills germs), but it is aseptic, preventing the spread of poison by holding it in check. Christ will one day destroy all evil when He returns!

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete strive to be all they can be for Christ! They seek to boldly proclaim the gospel and prevent the spread of evil.

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 – In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 3:1-2

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