Keeping the Main Thing the Main Thing

After Competition

As an athlete, it is easy to get distracted. Our attention is often on training schedules, competitions, personal goals, and social media. Our focus can be pulled away from what matters most. I’ve felt this firsthand, especially during times when I put my success ahead of my faith. Personal goals and training schedules are important, but they are not my priority. God often reminds me to focus on Him. God wants me to keep the main thing the main thing: Him.

Matthew 6:33 says we are to seek first His kingdom and righteousness. To “seek first” means to focus on God and make Him our top priority. His plan and His ways are over everything else. This doesn’t mean that other things aren’t valuable, but it does mean that God is of the utmost importance.

There are times I begin to worry that putting God first isn’t worth it. What helps is to look at the verses that come before Matthew 6:33. We are not to worry as most people do about what we will eat, drink, or wear. God is a gracious Father who knows what we need and wants to provide for us. Verse 33 then follows where He desires for us to choose Him as our first priority. He knows that living this way leads to true life and purpose.

I’m not here for my own pleasure or my glory but for God’s. This truth humbles me and redirects my focus to seek His kingdom above all else. When I do, everything else—including my sport—falls into its proper place.

Application Questions:

• What does it look like to seek God first in your sport and daily life?
• What practical steps can you take to realign your focus and priority on God this week?

Prayer:

“Father God, I ask that You help me each day to be reminded of Your love for me and that You are taking care of me. As I seek Your Word each day, speak to me so that I remember that my sport is a precious gift that lasts a short time, but Your love is forever. Show me how I can use my sport to share your love with someone this week.”