"I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death. . ."
-Philippians 3:10

As coaches we challenge our athletes to set goals for themselves.  Chances are if you were to look in the lockers, playbooks or dressers of athletes, you would find a list of goals somewhere. They need to reinforce their goals once they set them, so they write them down.

Paul had goals, too, and we see one of those goals in his letter to the church at Philippi. Paul's goal was one we should all write on our list.  He wanted to know Jesus more. That is a pretty good goal, wouldn't you say? If you wrote this goal down on the list of goals for your team what would be the result?  Would that unbeaten team seem as tough if you knew "the power of his resurrection"?  Would running one more sprint seem that impossible if you were "sharing in his sufferings"?  Would going through that side stitch in the last few minutes of the game seem that bad if you were "becoming like him in his death"?

Knowing Christ was Paul's goal, and that should be our goal as well.  If we set goals to improve our performance as athletes, why shouldn't we set goals to improve our relationship with Jesus Christ?

1. What are your goals in life?
2. How many of your goals include growing closer to God?
3. What can you do today to grow closer to God?

Proverbs 4:18
2 Corinthians 13:5
Philippians 1:4-6, 9-11
Colossians 1:10

"Lord, help me focus on growing closer to You every day. Take this life You have given me and use it to do Your work. Let me improve this life by growing closer to You. Allow me to know Your ways and walk in Your paths. Help me to focus solely on You. Show me the doors that You have opened for me to do Your work."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
After serving as a football coach at both the college and high school levels, Michael Hill is now the FCA Area Rep. for Southeast Kansas.  He and his wife, Andrea, reside in Winfield, Kan., with their daughter, Jaycee.

In Jesus' name, Amen.