During my freshman year at Nebraska, I noticed a difference in the lives of several older teammates during training camp. They had a different way of interacting with others, practicing, and competing. One of them invited me to attend the player’s Bible study. George Andrews was part of the study and played defensive end with me. Watching him compete for King Jesus rather than for fame caused me to question my motives for playing football. He played with such great intensity that he became an All-American for the Huskers and later had a successful career with the Los Angeles Rams.

Tom Sorley, who played quarterback, was another leader on the team who attended the same Bible study. I later found out he led Andrews to the Lord during their freshman year when they were roommates. Each of my teammates lived lives that caused me and other teammates to ask why. George and Tom were so highly respected that they became co-captains of the 1978 Nebraska football team.

Colossians 4 – Our Responsibility

Paul wraps up Colossians with a final reminder to the believers to live in a way that points others to Jesus. Like George and Tom, they took the responsibility of sharing the gospel with others seriously. Just as Paul taught the Colossian believers, their faith was encouraging and hopeful, “Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time” (Colossians 4:5).

I was the outsider Paul wrote about (4:5). There are athletes like them in every locker room. We have a responsibility to witness the lost around us. Walk refers to our conduct in daily life. There must be nothing in our lives that would risk our testimony.

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete conduct themselves in a way that draws others to Christ. They walk in God’s wisdom so their teammates will want what they have.

Bible Memory Verse – For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (LSB)