One of my favorite Scripture verses that I’ve committed to memory comes from 1 Corinthians 3:16, which says, “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?” This is a great verse to meditate on daily. No matter what situation you find yourself in, this verse can serve you. It can empower you when you feel doubtful or fearful, letting you know God’s Spirit is inside of you. It can also help you when you’re facing temptation within your environment, challenging you not to consume things you shouldn’t.
You are God’s temple; you were bought with a price. He lives within you. He’s there to comfort you as He dwells within you. But He also convicts your spirit to follow His way.
God’s Word speaks to me and challenges me daily, and as it does, I naturally want to share that with others, especially my teammates. But I have to be strategic about how I go about this. First, I try to get to know who they are — their background, family, spouse, siblings, where they grew up. Then I can introduce some deeper questions to figure out if they go to church, how they were raised, if they believe in God, what they think Christians act like, if they believe with confidence that they’ll be going to Heaven when they die.
I try to share a bit of my story and how God changed my life through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I try to introduce a bit of Biblical content that has impacted my own life in hopes that it will bless theirs as well. I have to realize that, just as I once was, people are very sensitive when it comes to things of God. I have to try to navigate these conversations in the right way.
Jesus always met people where they were at. He let them know He understood who they were and what they were doing. He wasn’t there to pass judgement against them.
In the same way, before we can get into spiritual matters with those around us, we need to meet people in their earthly, day-to-day situation. We’re called to bring a dying world into a living eternity, and this requires understanding their circumstances. Sometimes it requires bringing healing or aid to their life, and sometimes it requires speaking confidence and encouragement into their day. When we first get to know others and show them that we want to meet their needs, they will understand that we truly care — and then they’ll want to know why.
What are you doing today to show others the deep, unconditional and practical love of Jesus Christ?
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” — John 15:12
— Demario Davis, New Orleans Saints linebacker
The Increase, part of the Sports Spectrum Network, is a community of Christian pro athletes sharing their personal stories of the decrease of self and the increase of Christ (John 3:30). Visit TheIncrease.com for more stories and videos.
