"I love the sense of satisfaction that I get when I’ve done a swimming workout or race, and know that I gave my whole being and heart to God in every moment of the swim. It’s the best worship I can offer him."
Identity
He received honour and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” 2 Peter 1:17We often talk about where our identity is or comes from. In sport it is so easy to find our identity in sport. This is particularly so in Track and Field Athletics where you are defined by your performance: She’s a sub 11 second sprinter, he’s an 8 metre jumper etc. Of course it is inevitable that some of who you are comes from your sport but you must not let it define who you are.
Jesus is God. He was with God from the creation and before. Yet Peter in this verse defines him by what he received from God. “He received honour and glory from God the Father”.
As sportspeople we do feel better about ourselves when we perform well. Even in ministry the temptation does not go away. I feel better about myself when people come to my Bible Study than when no one does – and even better if they say it was good! But if I feel good about myself, it should be because of what God thinks of me!
Remember when Jesus sent the 72 out to minister and they were excited that they had power over demons. Jesus replied: “do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
Today rejoice as you go about your sport but rejoice for the right reasons – that your name is written in heaven and that God is pleased with you.