For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power. – 1 Corinthians 4:20
We all know a teammate or opponent that talks a big game, but can’t back it up. Off the field, they walk and talk with swagger, but when it comes down to it, their talk is only a cover up to their lack of confidence on the field. The problem is that the foundation for their strength and confidence is placed in the power of their own words. The difference for those of us in Christ is that our strength and confidence is sourced in the power of the Gospel.
In the passage above, Paul is reminding the Corinthians of the power that exists in the truth of the Gospel. The Gospel is not just talk, but “Paul has preached and taught enough by now to know that when he speaks of Jesus, his cross and his resurrection, things happen.”* I would apply this same train of thought to our play. When we play in light of the Gospel, by the power of the Gospel, and for the sake of the Gospel, things happen.
When you play for yourself and by your own power, winning and success become the only goal to achieve. However, when you play for the glory of God and by His power, winning and success become secondary to the opportunity to worship and glorify God on the field. Winning is a goal, it’s just not the goal. I believe that there are no limits to what God can do when we allow the power of the Gospel to be the source of our words and actions on and off the field.
- Reflect on the Gospel by reading Romans 5:6-11.
- Thank God for His love and all He has done for us.
- Ask God to fill you with His power by the Holy Spirit so that you may glorify Him.
*N.T. Wright
