Five New Things Jesus Gives His Followers
Athlete, what’s better than the feeling of preparing for a new season? You’re filled with hope and expectancy for something great. This excitement often fades away when you get into the grind of practices, traveling, and competing. Don’t you wish that new feeling could last longer?
If you are a follower of Christ, you may have times where you don’t feel very excited or passionate about Jesus. You may think back to certain times in your life where you felt so close to God, but it seems the passion faded.
This feeling is common, and you are not alone. Our feelings are valid, but they aren’t always true. The truth is, you have been made new and can experience passion and joy in Christ everyday.
How is this possible? By remembering and trusting in what Jesus has done for you. Here are five new things Jesus gives His followers:
1. A New Identity
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17
You are no longer defined by your performance, mistakes, or successes. You are simply a beloved child of God.
2. A New Heart
“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” Ezekiel 36:26
God has given you a new heart that can love Him and love other people. Through His Holy Spirit inside of you, you have the power to fight sin and choose to follow God. While you still enjoy your sport, God is your first love and you love to obey His commands rather than choose your own way.
3. A New Mind
“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” Colossians 3:1,2
Your thoughts are no longer consumed by your own success, reputation, and comfort. You now meditate on God’s Word and Jesus’ sacrifice. You look at your circumstances, pain, and joy through God’s Word.
4. A New Family
“You are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of His household.” Ephesians 2:19
You no longer have to do things on your own. You are now a child in God’s family, which means that you have spiritual brothers and sisters. You and all believers have the same Spirit inside of you that empowers you to love and forgive one another. By the way you love each other, others will see the love of Christ.
5. A New Purpose
“And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ ” Mark 12:30, 31
Your purpose is not to succeed in your sport, to land a great career or even to have certain relationships. You were created to know and love God. Out of that love, He empowers you to share His love with others.
Athlete, there will be days that you will forget the new things Jesus has given you. Remember that you can go to God every day and every moment for His forgiveness and mercy.
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:23
never miss a play
Get weekly articles on sport culture, relationships, and identity.