Most people would be surprised to know the word “referee or umpire” can be found in the New Testament!

Yes, not only is the word athlete in the Bible but so are a lot of other technical and official sports-related words such as today’s Greek New Testament word: Brabeion …which can be found in the letter Paul was inspired to write to the 1st century Corinthians when it used to describe the “prize” that the sports official awarded to the winner of a competition.  In this passage Paul encouraged followers of Jesus to pursue attaining spiritual “rewards” in the same way that athletes pursued winning athletic “prizes.”

Can that be said of you today?  Are you pursuing your eternal, heavenly crown, like you have pursued winning an athletic trophy?

Action Point: Identify whatever it is that keeps you from going, further and deeper with Jesus…and then commit to do what you need to do to eliminate those roadblocks.