Day 4: Surrender Everything to God

DAY 1 YOU BE THE INFLUENCE

Case Keenum Quarterback Cleveland Browns

By Del Duduit

Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.

—Proverbs 13:20

During Case Keenum’s time playing in the NFL, he’s had the opportunity to build solid friendships with his teammates on different squads, and he enjoys the potential to have a positive influence in the locker room.

Case learned the significance of letting his light shine to others when he was a young man involved with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

The FCA challenges coaches and athletes at all levels to use their platforms to share the power of Jesus Christ with everyone. The organization serves local communities around the globe and inspires others to change the world with the gospel.

“It’s been a big part of my life,” Case said. “I grew up in the FCA family—it’s in my blood so to speak.”

His father was a director in West Texas, his wife was a coordinator in Houston, and his sister was a camp director in the Lone Star State as well.

“We have all stuffed envelopes and volunteered at different events,” he said. “I grew up around athletes, especially Christian athletes, and they had an impact on me. I wanted to be like them in many ways.”

He wanted to throw the football like them and talk like they did.

“I wanted to be like them in every way when I was young,” he added. “It was the Christian athlete that really hit a cord with me. I found it was Christ in their life that they were shining for, and that’s what I wanted to be like.”

This inspiration is why Case invited Christ into his life when he was in the second grade. He was eager to learn from the right role models.

“That was the best decision I ever made,” he said. “All of the people I admired and wanted to be like were all Christian athletes.”

Hear, O sons, a father’s instruction, and be attentive, that you may gain insight.

—Proverbs 4:1

In the Huddle

Who do you admire? Are the people you look up to in life good moral citizens? Do they do the right thing? Do you remember pretending to be like your favorite athletes when you were young? You probably picked up on their every action and tried to imitate them. Did they demonstrate

positive character? On the other hand, who admires you? Who looks up to you and why? If you have children, they watch every step you take and hear every word you speak. Do you want them to be like you? Are there things you do that you don’t want them to emulate?

Cross the Goal Line

You have the chance to make a difference in the lives of others every day whether it be your children, coworkers, friends, or strangers. How you act matters. What you say matters. The way you treat others is important. There might be days when you don’t feel like being nice and letting your light shine, but don’t let your guard down. Strive to be a positive influence at all times, inside and outside of your home. People around you watch to see how you handle situations. Here are some suggestions on the best ways to have a positive impact on everyone you meet:

• Listen: Paying attention to what others have to say is becoming a lost art. Many times, your mind may drift during a conversation as you think about what you want to say next; consequently, you don’t really hear what someone is telling you. Step back and focus directly on what others have to say. They will notice and appreciate that you took the time to concentrate on listening to their ideas and opinions, and you will earn their respect. • Invest: Take the time to find a way to do something special to give back. When you tweet or message your friends to tell them you will pray for them, do you do

it? Take it a step further. Pick up your phone, call them, and pray with them. Put your words into action. Be a mentor and lead by example. Teach someone a skill or make a connection to help a friend find a job. Run an errand for your elderly neighbor. There are many things you can do to invest in the lives of others. “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). • Involve: Make room to include your children in your life. Do fun things with them and create memories that will last for a lifetime. Show them character by finding something they can do with you to help others such as yard work for a widow. Invite a coworker to coffee to get to know them. Introduce yourself to a family that has started attending your church. Don’t pass by opportunities to be an encouragement to others and make them feel important. • Lead: You can serve as a guide in many ways. If you are dining with coworkers, bow your head and say a prayer of thanks. Attend church on a regular basis and invite others to come. Lead by example and make this a mandatory expectation for your family. Don’t portray church attendance as a burden but as a wonderful opportunity to give thanks to the Creator. Show your children you are excited to go to church and worship

God. • Love: When people see that you genuinely love them and want the best for them, they are more inclined to listen to your advice. But don’t offer it unless you are asked, and be ready to back up your answers with Scripture combined with past experience. If you don’t know how to help them, point them to a pastor for guidance.

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God” (1 John 4:7).

Case’s father was also a football coach and recruited players who demonstrated solid character. “Those are the men I remember,” he said. “Those are the ones who had the most impact on me.” At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter how much money you make or how many fancy cars you own. Things of the world are nice, but they are not the most important. Your influence and leadership will be what people remember about you.