The most influential book for Christian athletes and coaches was written by Wes Neal, The Handbook on Athletic Perfection.

When I first read the chapter on “perfection,” I was floored by Wes Neal’s statement on perfection, “An athlete can be perfect in everything he does.” That made no sense to me until he later contrasted man’s idea of perfection with God’s.

“The religious leaders already had books thick with rules and the right way to do things. Jesus was deliberately contrasting two standards of perfection (Matthew 5). The common standard of perfection was a legalistic carrying out the letter of the law. It had nothing to do with one’s attitude as the letter of the law was carried out. God’s standard of perfection deals with our attitudes. It is from these attitudes that our actions flow. Athletic perfection is consciously thinking and performing God’s way through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.”

Romans 10 – God’s Standard of Perfection

In Romans 10, Paul teaches about the nation of Israel’s failure to believe in Jesus when He came to set them free from the law. In the Old Testament, they were the chosen people of God but had failed to believe in Him.

Paul pleaded for them to be redeemed by Jesus and His atoning work on the cross. They had elevated the law to a legalistic carrying-out-the-letter of the law but had become blinded to its fulfillment, which was Jesus. Salvation is heart transformation for anyone who calls on the name of the Lord rather than obedience to the law.

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete understand that the inner spiritual condition is vital, not mere outward acts of obedience. They view competition as an opportunity to think of God’s Word and perform His way in various circumstances that reflect God’s standard of perfection rather than the world’s.

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 – Do not be wise in your own mind. Never paying back evil for evil to anyone, respecting what is good in the sight of all men, if possible, so far as it depends on you, being at peace with all men. Romans 12:16b-18

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