Sports Spectrum Daily Devotional: Friday, December 11

“For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died for them and was raised again.” — 2 Corinthians 5:14-15

Drummer Boy Theology

As we approach Christmas, many familiar songs are being sung and heard. One of them is undoubtedly be the “Little Drummer Boy.”

Although the Bible does not support the facts of a little drummer boy coming to see the baby Jesus, there is a line in the song that expresses an important sentiment for athletes, and really all followers of Christ. The line, “I played my best for Him,” is important to unpack because it can be misleading and lead to faulty thinking.

“I played my best for Him” does not mean that that the performer has their best performance of all time. It also does not mean that the performer is performing for God or for His entertainment. The correct interpretation and lesson from this simple song is that when we play our “best for Him,” it means we have tried our best and our motivation is love and gratitude to Him for what He has done for us on the cross.

Playing our best for Him means inviting Him to our performance and being aware of His presence at our event. It means something along the lines of playing with Him, much like a child playing with their Father. It incorporates an act of worship.

Take it from the little drummer boy and play your best for Him. Do your best. Try your hardest. But take the pressure off and enjoy playing with Him. Play out of gratitude and to the proverbial audience of One.

— Frick Frierson

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