10 Commandments for Athletes From PhilippiansNäide

Christian Athlete, Put It All Into Practice

"What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you" (Philippians 4:9 ESV).

Paul didn’t want the Philippians to just hear truth—he wanted them to live it. Faith becomes real when it’s applied. The same is true in sports. You can know all of the rules of a sport like basketball. You could know how to shoot, pass, play defense, rebound, and set a screen. But that doesn't make you a basketball player. It makes you a basketball "knower." In the Christian life, it’s not enough just to know what’s right. We must train ourselves to do it. And we must put it into practice.

And yes, we will do this imperfectly. Paul isn't expecting perfection with the Philippians—and he wouldn't be expecting it with us as players either. What he is after is persistence. This is the coach at halftime encouraging us to stick with, remember the plan, don't focus on the mistakes, play with confidence, focus on the next play, pick up your teammates, don't get distracted by bad calls or opponents chirpy. Make the next right play. And then do it again. And again.

In our faith, the small, consistent acts of obedience shape our spiritual muscle memory. Again, faith isn’t a spectator sport—but an active, daily pursuit. Christian athlete, when you live your faith visibly, your life becomes the clearest message of who Christ is. God gets the glory. You experience the joy. And others around you benefit from your faithfulness.

Reflection Questions:

1. What’s one truth from these devotionals you want to live out this week?
2. Who might notice a difference when you start putting your faith into practice?

Prayer to Consider:
Jesus, help me live out what I’ve learned. I don't want to just know about You. I want to live it out every day. Make my life a visible reflection of Your truth and love. For your glory, my joy, and the good of others. Amen.

ps. If you have enjoyed this 10-day devotional, I think you (or someone you know) might enjoy my book, The Christian Athlete: Glorifying God in Sport. I also publish weekly articles, devotionals, and Bible studies for athletes, coaches, and parents at thechristianathlete.com.