Daily Devotional: Monday, September 11 - The Path To Peace

“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 2:5

>> Sign up here for Sports Spectrum devotionals sent right to your email inbox <<

Most fans wear the jerseys of quarterbacks, running backs and receivers, but it’s the linemen who are the heart and soul of the team. Though fans may not boast about the linemen on their favorite teams, often quarterbacks and running backs show their appreciation — like taking them out for a nice meal — for protecting them and clearing running lanes. It’s vital to promote good vibes between individual teammates by remembering to thank one another and avoid jealousy.

When Abraham (formerly Abram) saw a breakdown in personal relationships between his workers and the workers of his nephew, Lot, he stepped forward quickly with a solution. Abraham did not allow this problem to fester and get worse, as we often are prone to do. “So Abram said to Lot, ‘Let’s not have any quarreling between you and me, or between your herders and mine, for we are close relatives. Is not the whole land before you? Let’s part company. If you go to the left, I’ll go to the right; if you go to the right, I’ll go to the left'” (Genesis 13:8-9).

Even though Abraham was the oldest, he allowed Lot to choose pastures first, and harmony was restored. It was important for brethren to live in peace as a testimony to the outside world. As we look at Abraham’s example, we are challenged to be unselfish and work toward peaceful solutions on teams and at work, school, home and church. When we listen to others, think about others, see another’s point of view and put aside our personal convenience, we are on our way to the path of peace. Unselfishness is unnatural for us, but it is our part in promoting peace.

The Bible tells us to think less of self and more about others. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:3-5). When we serve the Lord in an unselfish way, we please the Lord by walking in the footsteps of Jesus.

Let us all choose the path to peace throughout this week!

— Bill Kent, Pastor of Memorial Baptist Church, Sylvania, Georgia

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

Click here for all Sports Spectrum Daily Devotionals

>> Subscribe to Sports Spectrum Magazine for more devotionals and stories where sports and faith connect <<

>> Purchase “The Increase 52 Week Devotional” to further grow your relationship with Christ <<