Study the Playbook
Every play starts with the Word.
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17
Happy New Year!
As we kick off 2026—a day filled with fresh starts, renewal traditions, and big-time bowl games—it’s striking how much today reflects the importance of preparation. Three of the four College Football Playoff games are on the schedule, and every athlete taking the field got there for one major reason: they didn’t just rely on talent. They studied their team’s playbook.
At this level, pure athletic ability isn’t enough. Across the line of scrimmage are high school All-State players, future NFL stars, and some of the strongest competitors in the country. Those who ignore the playbook quickly learn that they can’t succeed without it.
In the same way, the Bible is the playbook for our Christian walk. If we want to be effective members of God’s team, we have to study and understand His playbook. Scripture speaks into every area of life, giving us wisdom to navigate challenges, persevere, make godly decisions, and influence others for good.
Here are a few pieces from the “playbook” that should encourage us to study.
Proverbs 3:5–6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart… and he will make your paths straight.”James 1:22
“Do not merely listen to the word, …. Do what it says.”1 Corinthians 9:24–27
“Run in such a way as to get the prize… I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should.”Joshua 1:8
“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night… Then you will be prosperous and successful.”
Just as athletes become better players and teammates by learning their playbook, we become more like Christ—and better people—when we read, study, and apply God’s Word to our daily lives.
Happy New Year! Enjoy the games… and don’t forget to read the Playbook!
Adapted from Lead with Faith, Play with Purpose by Andy Dooley