The “Good Work” Attitude

Ready

“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.”– Colossians 3:23-24, NLT

Set

At 15 years old, I moved to TSG 1899 Hoffenheim Academy in Germany to follow my dream to become a professional soccer player. At that time, I did not have a clue how it would play out but my family and I felt that it was the right step for my career. With the sacrifice of being away from home and now pursuing my dream, I started to realize I could only control one thing during this journey, my daily work ethic. I didn’t realize it in the moment, but as I worked to chase my own dream of becoming a professional, I was also building habits that equip me to serve God with my whole heart.

I believe as professional Christian athletes, every time we step on the field, court, etc., we have the ability to influence our teammates, fans and others through our consistent hard work. In Colossians 3:23-34, Paul is explaining to Christian slaves a principle that applies to all believers. His message is that we should work or serve as if we are serving God Himself. This “good work attitude” makes a huge difference in our own personal lives, but it also has the power to touch others.

No matter where you are at in your sport’s journey, Paul’s word reminds us that God is the One who ultimately judges everything we do. As I have grown into my professional career, I try to remind myself daily to work for God’s honor in both success and failure. My goal has shifted to glorifying Him, whether I am on or off the field. The “Good Work Attitude” is the way to serve the true Master, our Heavenly Father.

Go

• How do you think you are serving the Lord on a daily basis?
• How do you feel you can inspire others while honoring the Lord within your personal sport’s journey?
• Do you train with the “Good Work Attitude” every single day? If not, how can you make this a habit?

Workout

Matthew 5:16; Galatians 5:13

Overtime

“Heavenly Father, thank You for giving me the opportunity to have sports and share this passion with others. I pray for strength and awareness on days when my mind sways, that You come and remind me that my hard work is ultimately honoring You. I work hard to serve You, as the true Master, every single day. Amen.”

Author Bio

Russell Canouse is a current professional soccer player for D.C. United. Originally from Lancaster, PA, Canouse spent six and a half years in Germany with Bundesliga Club TSG 1899 Hoffenheim before joining D.C. United, in Major League Soccer. Russell enjoys leading his teammates on and off the field, working closely with Team Pastor and FCA’s Maryland State Director, Shaun Smithson, to give all D.C. United players the ability to grow in their faith.