“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” – Romans 3:23 It doesn’t matter what level of greatness an athlete or coach achieves, there is no such thing as perfection. It’s impossible to win every championship. It’s impossible to break every record.

“And whatever you do, in word, or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” 1 Corinthians 3:17 “All In”. That simple two-word phrase is the battle cry of all athletes that are willing to go do whatever it takes to achieve greatness. Athletes that go “All In” are fully committed to a singular goal.

And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.

Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness.

“There is profit in all hard work….” – Proverbs 14:23a   What does it take to be great? Is there one secret that allowed Ted Williams to become baseball’s greatest hitter? What was it that allowed Hank Aaron to be the most consistent home run hitter of his era?

“Where there is no vision, the people perish….” – Proverbs 29:18 (King James Version)   Great leaders have always been admired. We find them in every walk of life. Books fill the shelves of those who aspire to become great leaders and seminars are overflowing with men and women who are eager to learn leadership skills.

“Therefore be imitators of God, as dearly loved children. And walk in love, as the Messiah also loved us….” – Ephesians 5:1-2a (Holman Christian Standard)   What baseball players did you try to imitate as a kid? Growing up a huge New York Yankee fan, two of my favorite players were Mickey Mantle and Whitey Ford.

By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. – 1 Peter 1:3   “In the 4th round of the 2014 NFL Draft, the New York Jets select offensive lineman, Dakota Dozier.” That one sentence fulfilled an unlikely dream for a young man and many others who have become accustomed to watching him accomplish the unexpected.

What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, of you say you have faith, but don’t show it by your actions? – James 2:14 (New Living Translation)   “Talk is cheap.” “Actions speak louder than words.” “He talks the talk, but doesn’t walk the walk.” How many times have we heard these phrases or experienced them coming from our own mouth? In today’s society, we often say one thing but do another.

Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness. – 1 Peter 2:2   I was waiting, but 11-year olds don’t do that very well.

“So many enemies against one man—all of them trying to kill me. To them I’m just a broken-down wall or a tottering fence. They plan to topple me from my high position.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity but of power, love and self-discipline. – 2 Timothy 1:7 (New Living Translation)   Too often in our lives we’re tempted to hold back? I remember a time when my oldest son wanted to play organized football for the first time.