Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children. And walk in love, as the Messiah also loved us and gave Himself for us.–Ephesians 5:1-2a
If someone walked up and asked, “What does it mean to play in the zone?” how would we respond? What professional athlete comes to mind? As athletes, hopefully we understand what it means to play in the zone, because we have done it at least once. It means to be unstoppable . . . playing out of our minds . . . we can’t miss. When we are in the zone, it is an awesome experience. I wish I always played in the zone, but unfortunately that is not the case.
What does “in the zone” mean spiritually? What does it take to get in the zone? Ephesians 5:1-10 offers several insights: (1) Who in the Bible lived “in the zone”? (2) Paul said to be an imitator of God. What does it mean to imitate someone? (3) What things should we do to imitate God? (4) When playing in the zone, an athlete is unstoppable. When living in the zone for Christ, what should one’s life look like? (5) In competition, whom do we try to please? (6) What can we do while competing that will please God? (7) The 1924 Olympic runner Eric Liddell said, “God made me fast. When I run, I feel God’s pleasure. To win is to glorify Him.” Do we sense God’s pleasure when we compete? (8) We can ask God to show us what it means to play in the zone for Christ. The FCA Competitor’s Creed states, “I give my all—all of the time.” When giving our all for Christ, we’re spiritually in the zone.
1. When you compete, what imprint is left?
2. How can you make sure the imprint will be the Lord’s?
3 John 1:11
Lord, my goal is to live in the zone for You. Please use me as a believer and an athlete to make a difference for You. May my actions be glorifying to You. Amen.
