This story appears in FCA Magazine’s September/October 2016 issue. Subscribe today!
In Romans 1:16, the Apostle Paul penned some very poignant words: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is God’s power for salvation to everyone who believes …” (HCSB). It’s amazing to think that, even though they’re 2,000 years old, Paul’s words still can and should serve as a mighty inspiration to Christ-followers around the world. His words move me on a daily basis to boldly proclaim Christ’s name and live out my faith in a way that others would be drawn to Him.
Carrying Jesus’ saving message out as president of this great ministry has been a blessing and an honor. At FCA, it’s part of my job and something I love to do. But in my previous career in the sports world, like some of you, it wasn’t necessarily in my job description and wasn’t always embraced. However, I still held fast to the goal of being known and seen as a Christ-follower first, and coach second. My job was my ministry. I did my best to be unafraid and unashamed to bring Christ’s name up in conversations or share my faith when asked where the joy, peace and transparency came from in my life.
What does being “unashamed of the gospel” look like in your daily life? I’d encourage you to join me in making this your primary goal: to boldly share Christ and your faith in Him. Much like goals set at the beginning of a season by teams or individual athletes, when we orient our minds and lifestyles around a goal, it really gives us the proper perspective from which we can approach every day.
As a coach, I had to be cognizant of my team, players and fellow coaches, and also my family and myself. But, most importantly, I knew everything I said and did needed to be in line with my faith and foundation in Christ. I knew every day I was a living, breathing model of Christianity to those around me. I viewed it as being “scouted.” People were watching to see how I would respond to certain situations both on the job and away from it.
Does this mean we have to be perfect? Of course not! That mindset is just a trap from the enemy. We will fail. We are far from perfect. But the greatest news of all is that we’re made perfect through Christ, and it’s often in our failures—and how we respond to them—that we can most effectively point others to Jesus and the hope He brings.
I used to pray every day for opportunities to come from people who were interested in learning more about what made my life different. What does this look like in your life? Are you “unashamed of the gospel” in your workplace, school, or even your home? God is calling us all to be vessels of His grace, mercy and peace to those around us, but that begins in each of our own hearts, and it’s displayed through our words and actions.
What is the condition of your heart? When God speaks, do you listen? When God leads, do you follow? When God commands, do you obey?
People are out there seeking something—anything—to fill the emptiness in their lives. Our call is to make known the only One who can fill the void. Would you join me in seeking out those hurting and desperate souls who need the healing waters of Jesus? If we truly believe Paul’s words from long ago, we’ll boldly go, taking the gospel to those in need, unashamedly sharing with them the message of life everlasting.
Model the Master,
Les Steckel
FCA President/CEO
-FCA-