Author David Powlison said, “From Jesus’ point of view, there are two fundamentally different ways of doing life. One way, you’re connected to a God who’s involved in your life. Psalm 23 is all about this: “The LORD is my shepherd . . . and His goodness and mercy surely follow me all the days of my life.” The other way, you’re pretty much on your own and disconnected. Let’s call this the antipsalm 23: “I’m on my own . . . and disappointment follows me all the days of my life.” There are two different ways of “doing life.” This reminds me of the plaque which says, “No Jesus, No Peace. Know Jesus, Know Peace.” Which will you choose?

Revelation 17 – One Way Pleases God

I agree with Powlison’s perspective that there are two fundamental life approaches, including sports. Because of this, I wrote a Kingdom Sports study, Doing Sports God’s Way. There is an edition for both the coach and the athlete. The two ways of life are always before us. The main point of Revelation 17 is we must live for the Lamb and His pure bride rather than for the beast and his whore. It’s really that simple! One way pleases God through obedience—the other doesn’t.

The prostitute’s symbol in chapter 17 points to the forces that tempt people away from God’s way through false teaching, persecution, and ungodly temptations. The sports world is filled with these lures of power, wealth, and self-gratification that can pull coaches and athletes away from His way of living.

 The Kingdom Coach and Athlete are convinced that it is better to live for the Lamb than for the beast. It is far better to live for eternal things and please God than the temporary trophies and awards that will not last.