Earning the Right to Be Heard

Why did God place us in our sport?

It has been a very important journey for me to understand my role and unique opportunity as an elite athlete. Sure, there is my job of giving all my passion and skill to perform well as a sportsperson.

But ultimately, as a believer, my mission is to know that God placed me in this sport and this team to be the best witness to Jesus. I want my teammates and even spectators to see the living God at work in me.

God has given you and me a tremendous platform because of our level of sport. The Gospel is best presented by us, the athletes, in these forums.

I have come to realize that the most powerful and authentic way to "earn the right to be heard by our teammates" is by caring about others, serving them, and putting their interests before our own.

God is never just doing one thing at once. So, just as he has gifted us to play sports well, He has also given you and me the talent and opportunity to create a platform to share with others the truth and grace found only in Him.

His Word tells us, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." This is a great picture for you and me to understand that serving is the best foundation for being able to really help teammates, opponents, and others around the sport to understand God’s love for them.

Scripture to Ponder – 1 Thessalonians 2:8

"Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well."

Key Lesson:

Service and generosity are the best apologetics in the world of sport.