"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."
Performance-based identity
The 72 returned with joy and said ‘Lord even the demons submit to use in your name.’ Luke 10:17Jesus replied, Do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you but rejoice that your names are written in heaven Luke 10:20
As sportspeople we have learned that our identity is in who we are in Christ – not in what we have achieved on the field – or at least I hope we have! We are not just “ as good as our last game. God is no more pleased with us when we win than when we lose.
But do we fall into the trap of have a performance driven identity mindset for our ministry? Are the “numbers” what really matters. 100 people came to the meeting…10 players at the Bible Study…500 DVDs distributed. Jesus might say to us – don’t rejoice in the numbers but that your names are written in heaven.
The disciples received a timely reminder here that it was not what they could do for Jesus but what he had done for them that was to be the reason for their joy. “Belonging to God counts for more than success”. (Tim Meadowcroft).