Called to Stand Out

Before Competition

As a professional track and field athlete, I have countless opportunities to compromise my faith. Sometimes I may feel tempted to respond to a reporter with pride or arrogance. I may feel the struggle of many worldly temptations while traveling across the world. I may feel the temptation that social media brings–comparison, jealousy, or selfishness. For me, over many years, it has become clear that the most popular choices often are not aligned with God’s desires.

Yet, as Christians, our calling is to stand out. “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2a). Standing out means to live a life different from how the world lives. Standing out means letting God transform our thinking, desires, and actions. Since living a transformed life contrasts with the world, it can feel isolating. But thankfully, God equips us with His strength and His Word. He also gives us fellowship and accountability with other Christian athletes. God’s power and His truth, plus the support of others, enable us to live differently than the world.

God calls us to stand out and choose Him, both in public and in private. He calls us to represent Him in public, even when it’s not easy. He calls us to stand up for the things of God, even if it’s costly to our reputation. God also calls us to choose Him, even when no one is watching. He wants us to stand up and stand out for Him in all the choices we make.

Each time I face these moments of choice, I am reminded of who I belong to. I focus on what matters most—pursuing God’s glory, not my own. As I choose the things of God and stand out for Him, God gets the glory!

Application Questions:

• In what areas of your athletic life do you feel pressure to conform?
• How can you lean on God for strength when it feels hard to stand out?
• What are some practical ways you can “renew your mind”?

Prayer:

“Dear Lord, please give me the strength and courage to stand out because I am doing and saying what is good and right for You. My prayer is for You to transform my thoughts, desires, and actions as I seek You so that I respond well in those times of decision. Thank you for being a God who not only calls us to be different but also equips us to do so.”