"God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast and when I run, I feel his pleasure."
Psalm 62
Source of significanceMy salvation and my honour depend on God. Psalm 62:7
I have been writing a series of articles on 2017 World Athletics champions who will be defending their title in 2019. One question I asked them all was: “How does it feel to be introduced as world champion?”. Most said they enjoyed it – and why shouldn’t they? One said: “I don’t feel I am world champion. I was in 2017. But unless I win in 2019 I won’t be” – an indication of how quickly one’s achievements are overtaken. Other athletes talked about how being World Champion opened doors – and rightly so.
David was king. He was a mighty warrior. His status and achievements brought him prestige, riches and honour but he remained grounded. He recognized that his status and honour came from God. In the performance-based sportsworld, it is important to remember that one’s identity depends on God. The Christian athlete’s significance is ultimately in who they are as a child of God, rather than in how fast they can run.
If this world can bring you honour – albeit with the caveats that we have noted – it cannot bring you salvation. David writes “my salvation comes from God. Truly he is my rock and my salvation” (Psalm 62:1).
It is important to cling to that fundamental truth that our greatest need is salvation and that we find that only in God.