“Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.” — Hebrews 13:7
>> Sign up here for Sports Spectrum devotionals sent right to your email inbox <<
One of the most viral images from the 2024 Paris Olympics was in the sport of tennis as legendary champion Rafael Nadal shared the court in doubles with Spain’s newest star and champion, Carlos Alcaraz. For months, fans had anticipated seeing this moment as it was becoming obvious Nadal’s tournaments in the sport were limited. Everyone wanted to see that last image of the proverbial passing of the baton as Nadal’s imminent exit gave way for Alcaraz to take the sport into the future.
For more than 20 years, Rafa had been the guy. Now it was Carlos’ turn … but not until they’d had one final chance to share the court together. They had played a few matches as opponents, but never on the same side. Alcaraz grew up looking up to Nadal and felt privileged to share some time in the Olympic Village together and on court, and soak up all the wisdom he could while he had the opportunity. For the few matches they played in Paris, the atmosphere and the images were electric. But even more powerful was watching the mentoring from Nadal in those moments, showing Carlos the ropes and letting him see how champions carry themselves.
This was also evident in the sport of diving, particularly within the Chinese team. Anyone in diving knows the Chinese have owned the sport for decades, with only rare losses to other nations at events like the Olympics. And part of their dominance, said one commentator, is that they often pair up a less-experienced diver with a veteran diver, so they learn how it’s done from the champions. Thus, year after year, they help push the sport forward and keep developing new interest and ability among the younger generation because they prioritize mentoring and passing on that experience.
All of this got me thinking about the power of letting your life speak. Whatever experience and understanding you’ve been entrusted with — by God or anyone else — you have the responsibility to share it. What we know and what we learn isn’t just meant to be kept to ourselves. If it is something that will help and benefit others and society, we have the obligation to pass it on and help others steward it for the generation after them, and so on.
This is why Paul instructed the Philippian believers to practice the things they had learned and received and heard and seen in his own life (Philippians 4:9), and the result would be God’s presence and peace. Even Jesus employed the power of mentoring when He gave the Great Commission to go make disciples in all the world, teaching them what He had commanded (Matthew 28:19-20).
We need to take our responsibility to mentor seriously. Whatever our calling or work in life may be, we can all share our experiences and our wisdom with others. Just as we have received teaching from God’s Word and from wise people around us when it comes to doing life and growing as a person, we need to be willing to help others learn those things also. That keeps the knowledge multiplying and we begin to change the world, one person, one conversation, one act at a time.
— Katherine Singer
>> Do you know Christ personally? Learn how you can commit your life to Him <<
>> Dive more into God’s Word with Sports Spectrum through the YouVersion Bible App <<
If you would like to submit a devotional, please email all submissions to
devotionals@sportsspectrum.com
