“My Father is glorified by this: that you produce much fruit and prove to be my disciples.” — John 15:8 (CSB)
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The word “proven” means “demonstrated by evidence or argument to be true or existing.” The nature of sports is founded on the concept of being proven. Who’s the G.O.A.T.? Who’s the No. 1 team? The No. 1 player? Sometimes this can easily be “proven,” like when a team wins a championship or an individual breaks a record. Other times it’s more subjective.
People in sports are always trying to prove something — including the officials. I am privileged to serve God and His people as a Big Ten and United Football League (UFL) official. I get to be proven in Christ on the field, in the locker room, and everywhere I go.
According to God’s Word, we are already proven. It doesn’t matter who wins or loses, who breaks a record, or who officiates a perfect game or their worst game. We are proven by Jesus and because of Jesus. Our fruitfulness, not our works or busyness, proves us as His disciples.
The word “fruitful” means “to be productive, effective, and to produce good, positive results or abundance.” Galatians 5:22-23 describes what this fruit should look like: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
We can only demonstrate (prove) fruitfulness if we are connected to the true Vine (see John 15:1-7). It is evident (proven) in what we bear. This is when God is glorified! Heed the words of Matthew 5:16 (CSB): “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”
We’re not proving ourselves to God or to the world. We are proving God to ourselves and God to the world — we are demonstrating Him and showing His evidence through our lives.
— Kristopher D. Loving, Sr.
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