We have been given a new heart with the capacity to be “ALL IN” for the love of God and others, but we still fail daily to live out of this healthy position. What holds us back; where do we struggle?

Let’s examine more closely what the Bible says about the heart so that we can diagnosis our current condition and begin God’s supernatural rehab plan. Which statement best describes you?

ALL-IN Heart: I am able to love all of my teammates. Divided Heart: I love my teammates who love me.

“Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart” 1 Peter 1:22 (NASB).

ALL-IN Heart: I can obey God, my parents and my coaches.
Divided Heart: I am rebellious, stubborn, and disobedient.

“Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart” Ephesians 6:6 (NIV),

ALL-IN Heart: I am easily encouraged and joyful.
Divided Heart: I am easily discouraged and depressed.

“Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart” Psalm 119:111.
“Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD” Psalm 31:24.

ALL-IN Heart: I have godly wisdom for everyday decisions.
Divided Heart: I struggle to make decisions.

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” Psalm 90:12.

ALL-IN Heart: I willingly serve others.
Divided Heart: I let others serve me.

“Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people” Ephesians 6:7.

ALL-IN Heart: I always practice to the best of my ability.
Divided Heart: I let my feelings control how I practice.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters” Colossians 3:23.

ALL-IN Heart: I reflect Christ in my actions and speech.
Divided Heart: I reflect the culture in my actions and speech.

“I seek You with all my heart; do not let me stray from Your commands. I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You” Psalm 119:10,11.

ALL-IN Heart: My desires are met by God.
Divided Heart: I satisfy my desires.

“Take delight in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart” Psalm 37:4.

This is not a comprehensive exam, but it does tell us something about what a yielded, whole, ALL-IN heart should be experiencing in our relationship with the Lord, with others and with our sport.

Christian, when you struggle to be All IN, stop, pray, check the condition of your heart and listen to God’s leading. He longs to create in you a pure, undivided, supernaturally loving heart.

A prayer to consider: Lord, help my new heart to grow strong and whole, with no divisions.