Gold Medal Standard for Life

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith” – Hebrews 12:2.

We had our first team bible study the other week and studied 1 Timothy 4:7-16.  This passage discusses the importance of spiritual training versus physical training.  It’s remarkable how God takes the things we’ve implemented in hockey and translates them to faith.  For example, all three positions (D, F, and G) have a sheet describing what a gold medal D/F/G looks like.  Essentially, like video gamers, we each created a player who exemplified the best in all categories.  Therefore, we can study what it looks like to be a solid player and strive for that each time we’re on the ice.  This tied in perfectly to our bible study and the scripture:  “Physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things” (1 Tim 4:8).  Studying the make-up of a phenomenal defenseman adds value to our hockey playing; however, that doesn’t even compare to the value we receive from spiritual training! 

Many people wear WWJD bracelets, which stands for “What Would Jesus Do?”  One teammate shined new light on this phrase by saying, “it’s not ‘What Would Jesus Do;’ it’s “What Did Jesus Do?’  This isn’t a hypothetical question because Jesus lived.  We know what He did.  We know how He responded.  We know through the Word of God; therefore, there’s no need to guess.” 

We all need a model to live by.  How thankful am I that we don’t need to “create a person” because we actually have a gold medal standard for life on Earth!  The standard of perfection.  The one and only Jesus Christ.   We can “fix our eyes on Jesus” (Heb 12:2) and learn how to live by looking to Him.  Jesus not only walked this earth, but He lived a perfect life.  He dealt with anger, frustration, persecution, hatred, suffering, temptation, and everything that all humans encounter.  He came, lived, and conquered all.  Jesus lived a sinless life here on Earth and set an example for us to follow. 

In our bible study, we asked which of Jesus' characteristics people are interested in learning more about.  Perspective, forgiveness, patience, judgement, obedience (strength in following through), and seeing good in others are the first six that we will be training in.  We will examine how Jesus demonstrated these qualities, how he responded in faith when confronted, and dwell on specific verses so that our hearts grow stronger in faith.

Team USA has set standards for each position; however the one true standard by which we all will be measured one day is God’s higher standard.  Jesus Christ set this standard and has invited us to follow.

I love playing any and all games.  Follow the leader was a favorite growing up and still is today.  I'm thankful that I get to play by following perfection.

Freedom in Christ, 

G.I.G.I.