Sæktu forritiðSports Maturity: Competing as an AthleteSýnishorn
Day 3: Mindset/Anxiety/Depression
Thoughts for Further Reflection
Life is hard! Strong’s concordance says, in the entry for nikaó, “The Greek word most often translated ‘overcomer’ (nikaó) stems from the word níkē ("victory")… means ‘to carry off the victory (to overcome or prevail). The verb implies a battle.” The author made the point that the world is more like a battleground than a playground.
Athletes get this point completely! Just remember that battles are temporary; the war is eternal, and Jesus has already defeated the enemy, satan, and secured the victory, making you an overcomer. That doesn’t mean that you won’t struggle, especially with hard thoughts and hard times. Life is truly a roller coaster, but winning battles is a trajectory (upward) and, if you’ve put your faith in Jesus Christ, your destination is already set (Matthew 7:13-14)!
Prayer
God, thank you that I’m not bound to my feelings but to truth and that truth is knowable in the person of Jesus Christ. That’s why, when we put on the armor of God, we have the belt of truth, Jesus, who holds all things together. I thank you that your word says I will be perfect (mature) and complete and will lack nothing when I endure through the trials I face. Amen.
Main Idea
As an athlete, I compete to win the eternal prize and a legitimate earthly prize, one not marred by harming myself or harming others.
About this Plan
Competition can be harmful when it becomes a source of worship for you—either you worship the glory itself or what the title of "athlete" gives you, things like money, influence, or identity. If you don’t know from the outset what you’re competing for, you’ll miss the real prize and be easily enticed away from your original passion for the game and the full use intended for your athletic gifts.
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