"I love the sense of satisfaction that I get when I’ve done a swimming workout or race, and know that I gave my whole being and heart to God in every moment of the swim. It’s the best worship I can offer him."
Sacrifice of Praise
Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise — the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Hebrews 13:15-16We are to offer to God a sacrifice of praise! And I don’t think the writer is just referring to singing on a Sunday morning in church! Many people find inspiration in Christian music and praise songs. What music are you listening to at the moment? Is it music that brings you closer to Jesus or the opposite?
And it is not just music. We are to offer God a sacrifice of praise continually – and that means while we play, train, coach or administer our sport.
Goalball player, Anna Sharkey, expressed to me like this: “I have a really strong faith in God and when I play it is my worship to God. Some people sing. Some people dance. I play goalball. When you are there and you are scoring goals, you can feel the might of heaven behind you. I really believe that God made me to be the person I am and made me just the way I am. He has given me this sporting talent and I just want to go out and play the best goalball I can.”
Whao! If you can’t sing or dance offer your sport as a sacrifice of praise to God.
And finally, having got the relationship with God right, you can think about other people. Almost as an afterthought the writer says and by the way don’t forget to do good and think about how you treat others!
Go out and represent Jesus in the world of sport today. Give him a sacrifice of praise in all you do and treat others in a way that glorifies God.