Sports Spectrum Daily Devotional: Friday, December 27

“Then He said to them all: ‘Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow Me.'” — Luke 9:23

View from an Armchair

It’s amazing to me how professional snowboarders can make their sport look so easy on TV. I sit in my living room watching the X Games, and I see Shaun White dropping in, then off the first jump he stomps a 1080 grab like it’s nothing.

I think to myself, “I could do that.” But as I strap on my own board and hit the hill, the reality of how difficult snowboarding really is settles in quickly. To reach pro status in snowboarding requires a lot of time, hard work, discipline and a passion for the sport; it’s not something that happens overnight.

The same is true about accepting by faith Jesus’ free gift of salvation. Initially it seems quite simple and pleasing. I mean, who doesn’t want eternal life? But as we strap on our boots and start walking the journey of faith, we quickly realize that simple doesn’t translate into easy.

To become a mature believer in Jesus Christ requires a lot of time, hard work, discipline and a passion for God’s will. The question is: Do you want to achieve pro status with God or are you content with watching your life pass you by as you lay on the couch?

Faith in Christ may be simple, but never easy. So get on your board and start training. Start with this question: “What can my God accomplish through me today?”

Aaron Johnson

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

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