And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. – Colossians 3:17
I saw him running on the field most days, his silver cross necklace bouncing on his practice shirt. Some days I saw him take it off and put it in a locker or his duffle when we were changing out. When he was nervous in class he fiddled with; he couldn’t help himself: he didn’t even realize he was doing it.
It stuck out to me–he’d never mentioned his faith in Christ in English class when we talked about time and eternity, the future, planning or what matters and what doesn’t. Even when we covered The Great Gatsby and talked about the difference between joy and happiness, something I learned in church youth group when I was only in sixth grade, he never hinted at faith. He didn’t mention God in economics, church in history, or when teachers asked what we did over the weekend. He certainly didn’t talk about faith when I overheard him joking with his friends.
But that’s what did jump out at me–the jokes he made with his friends when he thought no one was listening and mostly, the jokes he laughed at. I didn’t think a follower of Jesus would laugh at jokes about what “girls” are good for, or cruel comparisons to the eyebrows on the kid who only showed up in our inclusion classes.
So that got me wondering: would other people know that I am a Christian by how I act? What should it look like to be a student-athlete who follows Jesus? What does it mean to pray we win before the game, knowing that if God answers my prayers the way I want, He’s answering the opposing team’s prayers in a very different way? Am I taking chances to share my faith in class, in the hallway, on the field, even when it would make me stand out? or even lose friends?
The truth is that I am not always good at sharing Jesus in my words and actions. I am in no position to judge the faith of others. I am far from perfect and in need of forgiveness.
Last Sunday, Pastor preached from Colossians. He talked about how my parents should do their jobs like God is their boss, not to earn favor, but to show favor. Jesus isn’t watching us to write us up or to rewards us with popularity. Instead, he said that our neighbor needs our good works done in Jesus’ name. Our neighbor needs us to do our every day jobs like it matters eternally, because excellence points to Christ who is excellent. Martin Luther said that is every person’s call to vocation. “The purpose of every vocation is to love and serve your neighbor.” -Martin Luther, On the Freedom of the Christian
Well, my job is student, or at least that’s what my mom always says when I bring up getting a part time job. So, my vocation is “student-athlete.” God has placed me here not to earn favor or popularity, but to show God’s love to others and share the Gospel. How I talk about others is evidence of that. How I take opportunities to show love to my teammates and opponents and respect to coaches and referees can help me earn a hearing for the Gospel. While far from perfect, the Holy Spirit is with me in how I live out all my vocations.
Questions
- What does it look like to “love our neighbors” as student-athletes?
- How would Jesus have me point to His excellence in my classes?
- How would Jesus talk to the quarterback on the other team who is trash talking me on homecoming night?
Prayer
Jesus, forgive me when I don’t point to You. Thank you for giving me the gifts you have given me as a student athlete. Thanks for friends and teammates who also believe in You. Help me to speak and act in a way that shows others who You are: let them see You in me, not just my shirts or jewelry. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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