Sports Spectrum

You would think a bunch of hard-driving hockey players wouldn’t fear some- one as non-threatening as a Christian. But that wasn’t the case with the National Hockey League team the Washington Capitals many years ago when they acquired right-winger Jean Pronovost from the Atlanta Flames.

As soon as Pronovost joined the team, the players were warned: “Keep an eye on the new guy.” He was a Christian, and to some folks in hockey, that means dangerous.

Two teammates who watched Pronovost closely were up- and-coming NHL stars Mike Gartner (who had recently moved over from the World Hockey Association) and Ryan Walter (who was in his third year in the league). As Mike and Ryan observed his life, they saw something they liked—his Christian testimony.

Soon Mike and Ryan were attending Bible studies with Jean. And in time both players trusted Jesus Christ as Savior through Pronovost’s influence. Still today, though retired from the NHL, Gartner and Walter continue to witness about their faith.

What is it about genuine Christians that some people find irresistible? Paul talked about those inviting qualities in his letter to Titus. He mentioned traits like sober-mindedness (2:6), good works, integrity, reverence (v. 7), and a life that no one can speak evil of (v. 8).

If you are a Christian, does that describe you? Others are keeping an eye on you. They want to know if there’s anything genuine about this idea of being a follower of Jesus.

Let’s heed Paul’s advice and make sure our lives are worth watching.