You Are Not Defined by How You Play

We could all probably agree that most of us are not one dimensional. We would also probably admit that sport is only one aspect of a life. We have other dimensions, such as family, friends, academics, spirituality and other personal interests. Simply put, our lives are like a cafeteria tray; we are made up of many compartments.  

However, honestly speaking, all aspects do not receive equal attention.   Each one weighs on us differently;  some areas in our lives have a greater impact on us than others.

          For many competing athletes, your sport is the most influential part of your life.  The  sport dictates so much. It dictates your mood, how you view yourselves and others, and how you spend your time.  

To put it simply, when your sport is going well, you are mostly well. Likewise, when the sport is not going well, you are mostly not doing well either. This creates the effect of an emotional roller coaster. It’s only fun when you are on top, and it is difficult anywhere else. 

The Gospel offers a hope in the midst of this broken understanding of sport.

In the book of Romans it states, “do not be conformed to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2)

The path to transformation begins with a renewal in the way that we think.

YOU are NOT how you PLAY. You are so much more.

You are created in the image of God. He has created you uniquely and individually giving you dignity, complexity, and beauty. He has gifted you with abilities that you have honed to be successful in your sport.

But this is not who you are. You are Christian. You are a son or a daughter to a great and mighty God who doesn’t evaluate you based on performance but rather extends grace to us in spite of our performance.