Heart of a Champion: An Athlete’s Identity in GodSample

Measuring Up

All of us experience image envy at some time. Today’s video reminds us how chasing after approval can devastate us.

If you’re like most athletes, you strive to become better, overcome challenges, and operate at your best. That’s the hallmark of a great athlete. But perfectionism can be an unrelenting nemesis when you’re experiencing factors that limit your performance.

As a competitor, you face unique challenges beyond physical tests. You may experience a deep need for significance, approval, and success. Meanwhile, you’re dealing with impossible expectations and low self-confidence if those hopes can’t be met.

With so many obligations to fitness and training, it’s easy to forget God’s part. He longs for you to rely on Him to overcome hurdles hindering your endeavors—athletic and otherwise.

In sports, confidence separates you from the rest and holds the key to your success. Without it, you operate in your comfort zone, filled with doubt and afraid to take risks.

But God asks us to function differently from the world’s ideals. He wants us to rely on Him alone. Proverbs 16:18 says arrogance comes before a fall. Superiority roots itself in self-reliance rather than humbly depending on our Creator to give us all we need.

When we strive to reach things the world says brings greatness, we will eventually fail, falling short of that goal. When we place our identity in Christ, our reliance on Him prevents defeat from ruling our heart and mind.

Your greatness stems from your position as a child of God. This identity matters most. Today, place all your trust and confidence in Him, for He cares for you. He is in your corner, cheering you on.