Heart of a CompetitorSample

Play with Passion

Set
Throughout my WNBA career, I’ve been known as a highly competitive player. I use every inch or margin within the rules of the game to my advantage. It used to really bother me when I was accused of being a dirty player. I sought out wise counsel from people close to me, like my husband and my mother. I also had some in-depth conversations with fellow believer and WNBA legend Lisa Leslie, and our team chaplain.

I ultimately came to the conclusion that if I’m not being competitive, then I’m not giving my best to God. So I had to figure how to maintain my edge without losing my godliness. It took me a few years before I got it down pat, but I finally came to understand how to push and fight with the best of them, and never get to the point where it made me think, say or do ungodly things. Once I was able to put a harness on my passion, I was truly able to glorify Him through basketball.

Playing with passion is all about giving God your best and striving for excellence. This goes beyond the court and into every aspect of my life. It’s about me having a passion for serving others, being a good wife, telling others about the Lord and doing everything “enthusiastically” for Him.

As an athlete, it’s important to let that passion show up when you train, practice and play your sport. But it’s just as important to strive for the same level of excellence in your relationship with God, your relationship with others and anything that He calls you to do. That’s living a life consumed with God’s passion. –DeLisha Milton-Jones

Go
1. What are you most passionate about?
2. What do you think is the connection between passion and excellence?
3. Read Colossians 3:23. How can you strive for excellence in all areas of your life, not just the thing you are most passionate about?

Workout
Matthew 5:14-16; Ecclesiastes 9:10; 2 Timothy 4:7

Overtime
Lord, light a fire of passion within my heart so that I might strive for excellence in everything I do. I want to passionately pursue You, serve others and play my sport to Your glory. Amen.