Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw became a household name after winning the Cy Young Award. He is destined for the Baseball Hall of Fame. Kershaw has been an eight-time All-Star, three-time National League Cy Young Award winner, and the NL Most Valuable Player. He has been described throughout most of his career as the best pitcher in baseball.

Unsurprisingly, the hard-throwing pitcher, who put his faith in Christ while in high school at Highland Park, Texas, plays the game with as much intensity as he does. His favorite Bible verse is Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men” (LSB).

Colossians 3 – Integrity

Kershaw takes the mound each day with great intensity to pitch for God’s glory. Paul’s instructions in Colossians 3:23 are clear. Whatever we do, we should do it diligently and with integrity, even when the coach isn’t watching or the crowds aren’t cheering. This positive attitude should motivate us to cheerful service as we strive for our heavenly reward rather than earthly trophies.

The word “whatever” includes everything you do in your athletic performance, whether running, throwing, jumping, etc. “Heartily” means you do it by releasing all your abilities toward the task. It involves much more than just your strength. “Heartily” refers to your mental and physical skills and emotional energies. It is not just a matter of “giving it all you’ve got!” It’s doing it “as for the Lord rather than for men.” Jesus Christ is your only audience!

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete picture Jesus Christ as the one in the crowd they play for during competition. They don’t allow the crowd’s size to impact their performance as they give all they’ve got for the Lord rather than man.

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)