“So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled.”  – 1 Thessalonians 5:6

Stay On Your Toes

A few days ago, my daughter and her team were playing their third softball game of the season. The weather was unusually hot for early May, in the mid 80’s and the team we were facing was one where we thought we were going to win.

We started off great, scoring 4 runs in the top of the first inning. But after that, the bottom fell out and we were outscored 13-4 the rest of the way, en route to our first loss of the season. As the game wore on and I saw our team starting to hang their heads when we got down, I sensed that they felt defeated. After the game, as we gathered together, I shared why body language is so vital in sports. Even when we’re down and feel like we stunk up the joint, we can always stay positive and lift up our teammates. It’s important, especially for leaders on the team to not let negativity seep in and to remain self-controlled.

In our faith, I believe the same thing. Life isn’t always going to go great. When things go wrong, as followers of Jesus, instead of being bitter, let’s be better. Instead of sulking or complaining, let’s turn our attention to others and lift them up. Stay steadfast in prayer and remain self-controlled. The best defense is to be ready by arming ourselves with the shield of truth (God’s word) over our hearts.

— Jason Romano

If you would like to submit a reader devotional, please email all submissions to jason@sportsspectrum.com