True Competitor: A 10-Day Devotional for Athletes, Coaches & ParentsSample

Who Do You Play For?

WisdomWalks Principle
Play for the name on the front, not the back.

When Herb Brooks, coach of the 1980 US Olympic Hockey team that beat the Soviets and went on to win the gold, was asked what he wanted on his tombstone he said “It’s about the name on the front of the jersey, not the name on the back.” He wanted everyone to know who he was coaching for and who the players were playing for. It was an honor to play for the United States of America.

As we coach and compete for Christ, we need to remember whom we play for and whom we represent. When we put on the jersey, we represent the team. But there is a name even bigger than our team name. That name is Jesus.

I am the Bread of Life – In John 6:35, Jesus refers back to when God had provided manna from Heaven and water from a rock to his people as they wandered in the wilderness for 40 years. Jesus is the true bread of life. He meets the needs of our soul.

I am the Light of the World – In John 8:12, Jesus tells us we will never walk in darkness. In fact, he has overcome evil. His word is a lamp for our feet and a light for our path. He calls us to follow Him and trust his direction for our life.

I am the Gate for the Sheep – In John 10:7, Jesus tells us that he is the gate that leads to safety. The thief wants to steal the sheep, but Jesus was the gate by which the sheep would enter to be saved. Once we are saved we have freedom and abundant life.

I am the Good Shepherd – In John 10:11, 27-30, Jesus makes it personal. He tells us he knows us and we know him. He takes care of us and protects us; He calls for us, we recognize His voice, and we follow Him.

I am the Resurrection and the Life – In John 11:25-26, Jesus flashes forward to His own resurrection that will conquer sin and death once and for all. When He rises from the dead and appears to His followers, it sparks a movement of believers who cannot help but tell everyone what they’ve seen and heard!

I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life – In John 14:6, Jesus makes it clear that He is the only path to eternal life. No one comes to the Father except through Jesus. There are many paths that may lead to a good life, but only one leads to eternal life.

I am the True Vine – In John 15:5, Jesus tells us He is the very source of our life. We must seek Him and remain in constant connection with Him. Otherwise, we can do nothing that lasts.

As competitors and coaches, we play for Jesus. When we put on our jersey, the name on the front of our jersey is JESUS. We play for the name on the front, not the back!

WisdomWalks SPORTS, Ellie Claire (Nashville, TN), pages 171-174.