No Spectator Sport
Theme of the Week: A Spiritual Workout
Mart De Haan
Wednesday, April 14, 2004
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Key Bible Verse: "You have been Christians a long time now, and you ought to be teaching others" (Hebrews 5:12). Bonus Reading:Hebrews 5:12–14
The smallest and weakest among us can participate in sports, but only the strongest can survive as spectators, heart specialist Dr. George Sheehan says. According to Dr. Sheehan, when you become a spectator rather than a participant, the wrong things go up and the wrong things come down. Body weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol go up. Flexibility, stamina, and strength go down.
Being an onlooker of Christianity is also risky. Discouragement, criticism, and boredom go up. Sensitivity to sin and reliance on Christ and the Holy Spirit go down.
Sure, there's a certain excitement in hearing others' testimonies. But there's nothing like the joy of being there yourself —of piling up your own experiences of faith and using your own God–given abilities.
Don't settle for being a sideline Christian. Don't sit idly by and watch as fellow believers develop a heart for God. Nothing beats going in there and doing it yourself. It's worth the clammy hands, butterflies, and anxious moments that might come. If you're going to be an involved, God-used Christian, get out on the playing field.
—Mart De Haan in Power Up!
My Response: What is one arena where I can exercise my faith?
Thought to Apply: Discipline is the soul of any army. It makes small numbers formidable, procures success for the weak, and esteem for all.
—George Washington
Adapted from Sports Spectrum Power Up! (1-2/01) by permission.
Copyright © 2004 Christianity Today. Click
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Lord, give me power to live a disciplined spiritual life that will keep our relationship strong.
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