Devotional on approval: June 11

Daily Devotional: Wednesday, June 11 – Living For God’s Approval

By Sports Spectrum Jun 11, 2025

Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” — Galatians 1:10

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Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton knows what it’s like to be underrated.

Even after becoming one of the NBA’s rising stars — dishing out highlight assists, leading his team with composure, earning All-Star recognition, and leading the Pacers back to the playoffs — some still question his value. A recent anonymous poll of NBA players labeled him the most “overrated” player in the league, and opposing fans have attempted to use that against him.

But he hasn’t let the noise shape his identity. Instead, he’s letting his game do the talking. He’s been one of the most clutch players in the 2025 NBA Playoffs, helping lead the Pacers to Eastern Conference Finals for a second straight year, and to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2000.

He’s gone from being a somewhat overlooked high school recruit to a burgeoning superstar, in large part because of his ability to pass and get his teammates involved. He led the league in assists in 2023-24 (10.9 per game) and was third this season (9.2). While he’s proven he can score, he also talks about how much joy he gets from getting his teammates involved.

In many ways, Haliburton’s journey is similar to the Christian life.

If you follow Jesus long enough, you’ll be called names. Misunderstood. Underestimated. Maybe even mocked. The world won’t always see the value in walking humbly, living sacrificially, or choosing purity, kindness and forgiveness over pride and power. But like Haliburton, we’re not here to win approval from the crowd — we’re here to be faithful with what we’ve been given.

Galatians 1:10 (above) reminds us that we can’t serve two masters. If our goal is to please people, we’ll constantly adjust ourselves to fit their expectations. But if our goal is to serve God, we can stand confidently — even when others don’t see our worth or question our calling.

You don’t need to perform for praise. You don’t need to prove yourself to doubters. You don’t need to win the approval of others.

You simply need to be faithful.

Haliburton doesn’t need to fight for applause; he just needs to play his game. And you don’t need to chase validation from others; you just need to walk in your God-given purpose. Let your life speak. Let your faith shine. And trust that, in time, God will exalt what the world has overlooked.

— Cole Claybourn

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Daily Devotional: Friday, June 20 – Room For Differences

By Sports Spectrum Jun 20, 2025

Michael Blowen feeds Silver Charm at Old Friends Farm, April 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)

“For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” — Romans 12:4-5

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Michael Blowen and his wife run Old Friends Farm. It’s a 200-acre establishment in Kentucky that’s run as a place for retired racing horses to live out their remaining years in fun and peace. In his words, Blowen said his job is to feed them carrots and treats. Old Friends has become a landing place for several former Kentucky Derby winners, including I’ll Have Another (2012), Big Brown (2008), and the oldest living winner of the Derby, Silver Charm (1997).

Michael and his staff will tell you that the reason these horses enjoy such a relaxed and wonderful retirement experience at the farm is because the whole operation exists to celebrate the greatness and accomplishments of the horses — everything is done in service to these great animals. Blowen notes that “they’re a lot like people: they’re all different, and our job is to see those differences and to accommodate them, and that’s why they’re all relaxed.”

After seeing the recent report on Old Friends Farm — the work that Michael Blowen and his staff are doing there — and hearing their take on how important it is to them to appreciate and even celebrate the individuality of each horse, something stood out to me. I realized that, even as we go out of our way to talk about diversity and making room for differences in this world, most of us only do this insofar as it fits our own preferences. As soon as someone says or does something outside of our comfort zone, we get protective of our opinions or preferences and begin to shut them out. And this is particularly a problem in these polarizing times we’re living in socially and politically.

Whether it’s horses or people, God designed each one to have their own unique voice and impact on the world. Life was intended to have a seat at the table for all, and companies or teams or families or churches or relationships work the best when everyone feels like they are an important part of the operation — like they belong and are appreciated for what they bring to the table. We were each created differently on purpose! God knew it would be a dull world if everyone thought the same, looked the same, talked the same, or acted the same, so variety was born by design.

The apostle Paul spoke many times about the importance of making room for differences. Romans 12:4-5 says, “For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” Galatians 3:28 says “we are all one in Christ Jesus.” Even 1 Peter 4:10 talks about the value of each using their own gifts to steward the grace of God “in its various forms.”

Peace can exist where differences are valued. Every person has their own special journey and gifts that God has blessed them with. It would be a shame if, through our own pride or bias, we shamed and silenced something beautiful that God wants them to put out into the world.

— Katherine Singer

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Daily Devotional: Thursday, June 19 – Are You Willing?

By Sports Spectrum Jun 19, 2025

(Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

“[A]nd grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” — Psalm 51:12b

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Are you willing to stay the extra hour to get up more shots? Are you willing to get up early to get in the weight room? Are you willing to attend the clinic? Are you willing to study more film?

Personally, when I hear the word “willing,” sacrifice immediately comes to my mind. I have asked family and friends if they would be willing to help me move, or if they would be willing to give me a ride to the airport (shoutout to my younger brother, who’s always getting me to the airport by 5 a.m.). Their willingness always involves sacrifice. In most cases, they are sacrificing their time to assist or help me out.

As believers, God wants our willingness. He can work with our willingness. I’m learning that He wants us to be willing in certain key areas:

First, am I willing to follow Christ? I loved the game “follow the leader” when I was a kid. My brothers and neighborhood friends would play on our bikes. Everyone, including myself, loved being the leader. The follower … not so much. There was something about being in control rather than having to follow the instructions. Jesus instructs Peter and Andrew in Matthew 4;19, “Come, follow me.” I love their response: “At once they left their nets and followed him” (v. 20). Jesus continues with the same invitation to another set of brothers, James and John. He called to them, “and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him” (v. 22). I admire their willingness to immediately follow Christ.

Secondly, am I willing to live for Christ? He died for us; we should be willing to live for Him. So what does living for Christ look like? I believe it’s loving God and loving others. I believe it’s serving God and serving others. It’s being real and authentic with Him and others. Living for Christ is realizing our identity is in Him. Rather than seeking the approval of man, we seek God’s approval.

It’s realizing that being a Christian is a relationship, not a religion or a set of rules. It’s not a duty but rather a devotion. We change our “have to” into our “get to.” When we live for Christ, we get to serve, get to attend church, get to give, get to pray, get to read the Bible. Not have to. We align our hearts and minds with the mind of Christ, becoming more and more like Him. As John 15:5 states, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

Finally, am I willing to serve Christ? Serving is about others. Serving is wearing the apron instead of the bib. The bib is all about me, while the apron is all about others. Serving is walking into a room saying “there you are” rather than “here I am.”

Mark 10:45 says, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Jesus Christ came to this earth to serve others and ultimately sacrifice His own life for you and for me. Are we willing to serve and sacrifice for Him? My prayer is that we can answer with a confident “yes!” My caution would be to make sure we are serving with a pure heart — serving to give rather than serving to get.

I challenge and encourage you to be willing. Over the past few years, I’ve had to ask myself: Am I willing to get uncomfortable? Am I willing to do hard things? Am I willing to make sacrifices? Am I willing to let go? Am I willing to make Him No. 1? Am I willing to forgive them? Am I willing to love them? Am I willing to try something new?

As I reflect on Scripture, I’m reminded how Peter was willing to get out of the boat. Abraham was willing to leave his home and sacrifice his own son. Abel was willing to give God his very best as a sacrifice. Noah was willing to trust God and build the ark. Moses was willing to confront Pharaoh and lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Joshua was willing to obey God and become Israel’s new leader. David was willing to face his fear and fight the giant. Solomon was willing to build the temple. Paul was willing to travel and share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Jesus was willing to die on the cross.

What is God calling me, calling you, calling us to be willing to do? Are you willing?

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, my desire is to have a willing spirit and heart. I say “yes” to You today and forever. Amen!

— Jim Good

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Daily Devotional: Wednesday, June 18 – My Team

By Sports Spectrum Jun 18, 2025

Philadelphia Phillies fan, April 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

“Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body — whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free — and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.” — 1 Corinthians 12:12-13

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Often, passionate fans of a given sports team will so identify with that team that they speak as if they are actually a part of it. I know this well, because I am one of them.

“We won!” “They play us next.” “Our defense is terrible.” These fans, like me, truly come to love their longtime players and coaches, and when their team is disparaged, they are personally offended. These fans are so invested in the wins and losses, celebrations and heartbreaks, that when something happens to the team, it happens to them as well. To be a fan of the team has become a part of that person’s identity.

There is nothing wrong with such “diehard” team spirit; it’s part of what makes sports so enjoyable and entertaining. Yet, as deep as these sports allegiances run for many of us, if we are in Christ, “follower of Jesus” always needs to be the center of our identity. Too often, however, I see professing Christians pitted against each other in bitter arguments, hurling insults “across the aisle” and sometimes even questioning the salvation of others. Meanwhile, the thousands of Christians who face persecution around the world are given little thought.

This breaks my heart, and I hope it breaks yours too. It’s the opposite of what God calls us to: “Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body — whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free — and we were all given the one Spirit to drink” (1 Corinthians 12:-12-13).

Ultimately, God calls His people to unity in Christ. Yes, Jesus is the center of our individual identities, because He paid the price so that each of us individually would be free. But even more than that, He died to redeem His whole Church. That means you and me and every believer who ever has been and ever will be.

How strange would it be for a shoulder and an elbow to oppose each other? Yet that’s what happens every time one believer slanders another. And when believers are persecuted on the other side of the globe, you too are being persecuted. We are one body, the body of Christ. We are on the same team.

“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn,” and when Christ comes again, celebrate like never before because, in Him, “we won!”

— Kevin Mercer

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Daily Devotional: Tuesday, June 17 – Check Your Reflection

By Sports Spectrum Jun 17, 2025

(Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” — Colossians 3:17

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When I played softball in college, I wanted to immortalize my name on a building, plaque or something that would never wither. I wanted people to know “Monique Fuiava was here.” I was self-centered and my identity was rooted in my status as a Division I athlete.

After I graduated, reality welcomed me with a minimum-paying job, and ESPN wasn’t interviewing me about my washed-up softball career — because no one cared! I was a hot mess, and my words and actions reflected my egotistical persona.

Today, my faith and testimony have grown. God broke me gracefully and allowed me to return to my alma mater to make an impact. As the first female chaplain at the University of Oregon, I’m blessed to give back, ensuring others avoid pitfalls of the identity crisis I had when I was in their shoes.

Colossians 3:17 (above) is a constant reminder for athletes and coaches to understand Who they should represent on the field. Whether they’re in front of the cameras, posting online or casually strolling on campus, I pray they know their words and actions should reflect our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Whether you’re in the starting lineup or riding the bench, represent Jesus with everything you say and do. The name on the front of your jersey represents the school that’s lucky to have you. The name on the back represents the family God blessed you with. But who do your words and actions reflect? What changes need to occur so you can better represent Jesus?

— Monique Tuiasosopo, Oregon Athletics chaplain

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