"Lord, I don't ask that I should win, but please, please don't let me finish behind Akabusi."
The right way to win [How athletes can place God first in their hearts], Mike Blaylock, Moody Press, Chicago, 2000
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ISBN 0-8024-8415-8 130 pages in 11 chapters with discussion questions at the end of each chapter
The book sets out to answer the question: "What is the relationship between the Christian and experiencing success as an athlete?" (Page 9)
The book helpfully dispels a number of myths
· being a Christian means the score will come out in your favour;
· being a Christian ensures that you'll be free from injury;
· being a Christian means the referee will make the call in your favour;
· being a Christian means you do more playing time;
· being a Christian gives you a performance advantage over a non-Christian athlete.
The author adds: "Being a Christian will not guarantee that you will start on your team - or even get into the game. But being a Christian does mean that God has a specific plan for your life and he is at work in and through you, whether you are in the game or not". Page 16
The book helpfully suggests that the Christian athlete should not be distracted by things you can control - injury opponents, officials that concentrate on what you can control - you attitude and actions. (Page 18)
Chapter 5 Giving your all (57-65) is good. Liked the statement that God "is honored when, from start to finish, you never quit, never lose your focus, and never give up. Your maximum effort brings Him maximum glory" (Page 60)
The Christian athlete is able to give a wholehearted performance when he removes the distractions and hindrances so that he can remain focused on his single purpose: to please the only fan in the stands, Jesus Christ. Page 61
· Chapter 7 Dealing with pressure (77-83) is also very helpful and I loved the quote "Every night when I go to bed, I give all my worries to God. He's going to be up all night anyway"
Page 82
Chapter 9 Impacting your teammates 95-103 gives some excellent practical advice
Be Understanding – don’t expect them not to swear
Be real – walk the talk
Be consistent - walk the talk
Be available – invest time
Be prepared – 1 Pet 3:15 ready to give answer
Br deliberate – Give resources
Be patient – don’t be discouraged if no one is interested
Be prayerful
I felt that the story (Page 129) of parents who allowed son to play on Sunday and saw him fall away oversimplifies the Sunday sport issue and rather misses the point