In this month’s episode, Pastor Jeff sits down with ‘Captain Canada’ Ryan Smyth to discuss last night’s Versus Conference and his amazing story. From growing up in Canada, to his time in the NHL and his family’s recent relocation to the Nashville area, Ryan is the epitome of giving your success over to the Lord. 

Growing up, Ryan was always a talented athlete, but he knew something was missing. As he shared last night at Versus, the void of Jesus led to a lot of brokenness. Ryan put his life and worth in his identity as a hockey player, and at times forgot his identity in Christ. This episode is his story of transformation and leaving a Jesus centered legacy. 

To start us off, Ryan shares with the MLN audience about his early years as a hockey player and how he found his worth in the sport. Over time, he lost his relationships with both God and his family over his hockey passion. Men, we have the same tendencies to think work and hobbies can fulfill us. Ryan challenges us to buy into our faith fully, as that’s the only thing that will sustain us.

Next, Pastor Jeff and Ryan talk about an essential part of Christianity: being a grace-filled person. A grace-filled person is so full of God’s love that they first react, in any situation, with grace more than anger. This can be towards other people, but also towards yourself! In Ryan’s story, and all of our stories quite frankly, there are sins and struggles. If you are in Christ, you are made new, so we should have compassion towards ourselves and others. It’s what Jesus would do! 

Success is always something we as men are striving for. Whether that be in our jobs, with our families or, for most of us, watching our favorite teams and athletes on television. But have you ever stopped to think that success has challenges? There are most definitely joys, but often we forget the other side. In this month’s episode, Ryan takes you inside some of the emptiness of success, and talks to the audience about how putting Jesus first will always give you purpose! 

Finally, Ryan answers our favorite question here at MLN, “What do you want your legacy to be?” Ryan believes heavily in leaving a Jesus centered legacy. If he can do that, nothing else matters. Through the ups and downs of life and work, Ryan wants his story to be for God’s glory. 

Ryan was such an awesome interview that taught us so much about Jesus being our ultimate fulfillment in this life. We hope you will spend 30 minutes listening to this month’s podcast!