How to Be a Happy Sportsperson: Game DaySample

This series of Game Day has focussed on how sportspeople can discover profound happiness. In Matthew 5:1-12, Jesus has shown how his disciples develop eight characteristics that make them more and more like him. By trusting in him, through the work of his Spirit, we become more like him and begin to display these characteristics. Meanwhile, the eighth and climactic characteristic of being a member of God’s kingdom, of living under his rule, is persecution. We are meant to pay serious attention to this since Jesus spends three times as much talking about this as he does the other seven characteristics. So, as you prepare to compete today, please note that during the rest of your career, many colleagues will pay little or no attention to the Christian faith. There will be others who, as we have observed, will insult, slander and aggressively persecute you. In turn, some people you compete with will be keen to learn more about being a disciple of Jesus; these are thrilling conversations. Yet, Jesus says we should also rejoice and be glad when we face animosity. Why? The remarkable answer is that persecution can lead to great happiness as it provides clarity regarding your eternal future. Jesus Christ, the son of God, came into the world to pay the penalty for your rescue from sin and death. His life on earth was marked by indifference, persecution and, in some cases, wonderful responses from those who realised that God had come to save them. The history of God’s people has also been marked by a similar pattern of aloofness, insult, slander and aggression. Jesus says that the many prophets God sent before his arrival were persecuted. Yet, says Jesus, it was all worth it, and it will be worth it in your life because the reward in heaven is great. The first and last characteristics of a Christian disciple are described in the context of finding true happiness because you are a member of God’s kingdom, and your inheritance is a wonderful eternity filled with everlasting and unbroken joy. The first characteristic of a Christian is “blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” The eighth and last characteristic of a Christian is “blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven”. Current opposition and persecution remind you that you will have the most incredible reward when you leave this world and go to heaven. If you think playing well and winning today will be great, imagine what it will be like when you return to your true, eternal home club and country with Jesus. ## Pray for yourself Dear Lord, Thank you for the wonderful promise and assurance of an eternity with you in the new creation. Help any suffering or persecution I go through to remind me of the wonderful world to come where there will be no more suffering, crying or pain. Help me to play my sport today with an eternal perspective. Help me rejoice in the wonderful gift of sport but rejoice even more in the promise of eternity with you. In your name, Amen. ## Pray for your friends. Finally, take a few minutes to pray for your sports friends and colleagues - that God will open a door for his message in your club or team on this Game Day.