The Easy Way Out

Over the years, I have played on quite a few different sports teams. And through it all I have learned many different things. One thing that stands out to me is the difference hard work makes in an athlete. In order to improve you must put in the work.

Hard work often causes pain in the world of sports. Whether it's lifting weights, running laps, or biking for miles you must push yourself if you want to get stronger and faster.

The same is true with life. If we take the easy way out then we will never become any better tomorrow than we are today. That is the Lord's law. That which ye sow, shall ye reap.

See 2 Cor. 9:6, Alma 9:28, or Galatians 6:7

Wearing the Right Shoes

I grew up playing a lot of sports.1 Soccer, basketball, running, and football were some of my favorites. Sports are all different from one another. They require different skills and equipment. One of the most important items, in my mind at least, are the shoes. Soccer and football are played on grass/turf and in order to prevent yourself from slipping you wear cleats. On the basketball court, however, wearing cleats would not only ruin the floor but you would slide everywhere too. Bad idea...

So what shoes should we wear in battlefield against Satan? In Ephesians 6 it talks about a whole bunch of equipment that will help us defend ourselves and fight against the adversary. In verse 15 specifically it says to have "your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;"

In order to shod your feet with the gospel you have to know the gospel. And I don't think that there is any better place to learn about the gospel of Jesus Christ than in the Book of Mormon. I would challenge everyone to read the Book of Mormon everyday, even if it's just a little bit. Heavenly Father will bless us if we will study the words of the prophets. I so testify, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Need a Book of Mormon?

Other articles to check out:

The Armor of God

A Testimony Vibrant and True, President Gordon B. Hinckley

The Keystone of Our Religion, by Elder Steinicke

On and Off the Court

       So, first of all, I am sorry that I keep changing the name of my blog. I think this is gonna be it... But I'm not making any promises. The reason that I chose this name is because sports have always been a large part of my life and I often find myself comparing them to real life and what Mormons believe. Hopefully it will turn out okay. Feel free to comment here or send me a message on Facebook with any tips or suggestions on how I can make it better. Thanks for your help.

       Sincerely, Elder Steinicke

Basketball and the Book of Mormon

       Playing sports and gaining a testimony have many parallels. Such as hard work, enjoyment, and growth.

If you want to be good at any sport it's going to take some hard work. You can have talent but to really be something in the world of sports you have to devote a large amount of time to practicing. To be the best you can be it takes hard work. The same is true in the gospel of Jesus Christ. It often takes time in practicing correct principles such as: faith, repentance, and enduring to the end before you can become the best you can be. We have both heavenly and earthly coaches who will help us every step of the way.

       Playing basketball for me has always brought much enjoyment. I love other sports too, but basketball has always been my favorite. I love the feeling of lacing up my shoes and stepping onto the court. Shooting around in my front yard was therapeutic for me. Don't laugh, it's true. It was an outlet that made me really happy and still does. Guess what, the gospel of Jesus Christ is the same way. We can find joy in His teachings and comfort in the scriptures. The Book of Mormon is also a great help in my life. It makes me feel better when I read its pages.

       Most of all, the exercise you get from playing sports helps your body grow physically. Just as running strengthens your legs, reading the Book of Mormon strengthens your testimony and helps you grow spiritrually.