We want peak performance, so we study film, assess our play and learn our weak points so we can work to get better. Our eyes are sharp to point out any spot we find where we can tighten our play and find new ways to train.
We’re on mission to raise the bar on our performance until we reach a new level of skill and opportunity. In the same way, when we focus our attention on our hearts and invite God to examine our true motivation, our lens flips and we see life with a new sharpness we’ve never experienced before. God’s Word jumps off the page; we hear His voice in our spirit with amazing clarity and the Holy Spirit works in us to take what we’ve found that doesn’t quite align with God’s heart and transform it towards what He desires.
It’s a bold move to make space for new perspectives, but it’s the best thing we can do to transform our lives to live more like Christ.
So, how do we gain sharper clarity and insight into God’s heart?
We learn to listen for His voice more closely. We adjust our inner eyes and ears to the frequency of Jesus. And we follow the examples He sets before us each day.
Here’s what He gives us as our mission directive:
We stay in God’s Word.
Learning the Bible allows us to learn God’s voice and tone, and unearth His heartbeat between the pages. When we keep in step with Jesus, we learn to see the world through His eyes, and to care for others like He does.
Mimicking the movement of Jesus brings us into closer alignment with His heart and desire for us. “No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good,
and this is what he requires of you:
to do what is right, to love mercy,
and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)
We tune our eyes and ears.
Through the teachings of Jesus in the Gospels, we see His guidance as our Shepherd. We look to Him to lead us, and He sets the example of a selfless love that is the ultimate motivator. As our Shepherd, He leads us to the places and things that are best.
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11)
We become imitators.
Mimicking the movement of Jesus brings us into closer alignment with His heart and desire for us. Following His footsteps give us direction and discernment, and we can be intentional with how we line up our days and let His lead become the norm.
“I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.” (John 13:15)
It’s what we long for: the best training strategy to propel our hearts into peak performance for the sake of God’s Kingdom. We look, we listen, we respond and transform. It’s a whole new world when we engage in it with sharp clarity.
One way to open your heart and Pursue Life is with FCA’s The CORE. Get eight essentials to strengthen your faith and grow in your relationship with Christ, and then put it into action to disciple others.
Want to learn more about pursuing life and growing your relationship with God? Head to FCA in Action and read our May Pursue articles:
Anchor Article: Be Intentional: Examine Your Heart
Article Two: Perfect Peace: Examination Brings Calmness
Article Three: Proximity and Purpose: Examination Brings Closeness
*If you read this article and aren’t in relationship with Christ yet but would like to know more, we invite you to go through FCA’s The FOUR that explains how an everlasting and fulfilling life with God is possible.
About The Author:
Sarah Freymuth is the communications manager for FCA and writes content for blogs, articles, Bible reading plans and devotionals that share God's heart with coaches and athletes. She played softball for Concordia University Wisconsin, is in their Hall of Fame, and has led FCA Huddles since high school. Dark roast coffee makes her happy, as does telling stories about God and His people to the world. She'd love to speak to your Huddle or group; connect with her at sfreymuth@fca.org.
-FCA-
Photo courtesy of Unsplash