Finding Your Worth in Christ

Years after competing in track and field at the collegiate level, I found myself in a state of wondering. Life made a lot more sense while running track and going to school. The actions of training, working hard, discipline, proper rest and care yielded the direct results of improved performance. The process of patience and waiting had obvious mile-markers in the form of competition seasons, semesters and stats. You always knew where you were and how far you had left to go. Even my relationship with Jesus Christ, at that time, was a means to an athletic end with actions and anticipated results. Quiet times, reading the Bible and devotions were part of my athletic process of doing what it took to get the results I desired. 

All of that changed when it was time to lay down my spikes and engage a new life journey: Adulting. The path to success was no longer straight after sports and school. As a matter of fact, the very concept of success became less and less clear.

I started developing a more appropriate perspective of true success through Scripture like Matthew 7:24-25:

“Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain fell, the rivers rose, and the winds blew and pounded that house. Yet it didn’t collapse, because its foundation was on the rock.”

I learned that the prizes of life are not my athletic accomplishments, my post-athletics career or the other temporary things I greatly valued. The greatest prize is and will always be God Himself. 

David got that. The shepherd-turned-king of Israel wrote in the Psalms: 

“LORD, you are my portion

and my cup of blessing;

you hold my future.

The boundary lines have fallen for me

in pleasant places;

indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.” (Psalm 16:5-6)

That changed everything for me.

For the first time, I clearly saw how shortsighted and out of order my pursuits were. Now, I see that any of my pursuits into which I choose to invite God is a journey into relationship with Him. 

God makes a bold declaration to the people of Israel in Exodus 9:16:

“However, I have let you live for this purpose: to show you my power and to make my name known on the whole earth.” 

Perhaps you have in mind how God could fulfill this through your coaching or playing and your idea is likely tied to performance. I used to think that if I got the wins and accolades then I could give God a shoutout. If I am successful in my career, have material gains and am living the dream, I can accredit it to God and to Him be the glory. But what happens when you have a tough season, when you’re not the best athlete in the league or on your team, or when your time in athletics (as with everything) comes to an end? Who are you beyond the arena of play? 

There are more ways to honor Christ with your life. God’s purpose is life-giving and life changing. The life God has given us in Christ can be full, abundant and satisfying, if we let it. We can use this life to elevate God simply by how we compete, live and treat each other every day (not just with outcomes in mind). 

When we work at whatever we from the heart as for the Lord and not people (Colossians 3:23), and when we look to the interest of others not only our own (Philippians 2:4), what glory might you bring when you play for the Prize that is greater than the trophies and titles? 

You don’t get to glorify God in just one thing or one area but in everything you do, great or small. That’s exciting. The great gift from God is salvation in Jesus and His promises of eternity, greater joy and peace. The greatest gift we have is God Himself, and your worth comes from who you are in Him. 

You are so much more than statistics. You are a gift from God, to glorify Him everywhere you go. Rest in this performance-free relationship. He’s got you right where you’re meant to be. 

LIVE IT OUT:

“’He must increase, but I must decrease.’” -John 3:30

Question: For who or what have you been competing? How does knowing you are God’s beloved son or daughter change your approach to competing?

Challenge: Determine how you will give God glory in the wins and losses of your day and be prepared to live for Him.