God's Coaching #234

God's Coaching #234

Bryan Clay was exhausted, and rightfully so. He had just won the Olympic gold in the decathlon—one of the Olympics’ most demanding sports. On August 22, 2008, in Beijing, China, Bryan became the 12th American to win decathlon gold. His score of 8,791 points beat Belarus’s Andrei Krauchanka by 240 points, the biggest winning margin in the Olympics since 1972.

Simply competing in an Olympic decathlon, let alone winning it, is no easy feat. Decathletes must master not one . . . not two . . . but 10 different track-and-field events! To win, athletes like Bryan must excel in the 100-meter dash, long jump, shot put, high jump, 400-meter dash, 110-meter hurdles, discus, pole vault, javelin, and the 1,500-meter run.

Phew! Makes you tired just reading the list of all those events!

What’s the Score?

As a decathlete, Bryan showcased quite a few special abilities that God had given him. Instead of being prideful, Bryan was thankful to God for all of his gifts. Bryan is a strong Christian who gave glory to God for his skills. As fellow believers, we should do the same. You might not be able to run as fast or jump as high or throw as far as Bryan can, but God has given you unique gifts to use for his glory.

How? Great question! First, identify your gifts. It’s not a matter of if you have gifts, but which ones you have. First Corinthians 12:7 says, “A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.” Maybe your gifts are athletic or musical. Maybe you’re good with your hands or you excel in math, science, or art. Maybe you just like helping others. Maybe you like to write. Pray for God to reveal to you what gifts he has given you.

Then use them for God’s glory, not yours. You can follow Bryan’s example. He often spoke to others about how God gave him skills as a decathlete. He also used his fame and money to create the Bryan Clay Foundation that helps kids in need. He used his gifts to show other people the love of Christ. You can too!

On the Ball

Make a list of your interests and the things you are good at. Then read 1 Corinthians 12 and Romans 12:6-8 to identify if any of your interests and abilities are actually spiritual gifts.

Coach’s Comment

A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. 1 Corinthians 12:7