"Lord, I don't ask that I should win, but please, please don't let me finish behind Akabusi."
Who are we?
Called by my name…created for my glory Isaiah 43:7I remember once interviewing a footballer who told me that he felt he had an advantage over a lot of other players because he knew who he was. Knowing who you are is important. In Isaiah 43 God describes his people in words full of meaning.
Created
We are not accidents of nature. Our existence is part of God’s deliberate plan of creation. That gives humans an incredible value and status.
Called
We are given the opportunity of being God’s people, of being in relationship with him. And even to associate ourselves with God’s name. Elsewhere in the chapter God is referred to as the Holy One – which sounds a bit scary! But the amazing thing is that God omnipotent, creator and sustainer of the universe wants to be in relationship with us. In Hebrews 11 we read: “God is not ashamed to be called their God”.
For my glory
We were created by God for a purpose and the purpose is to bring glory to God. The oft quoted words attributed to 1924 Olympic gold medallist, Eric Liddell: "God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast and when I run, I feel his pleasure" ring true.
As sports people it is natural for us to want to be the best we can, to get everything possible out of our talent. There is nothing wrong with this desire provided we keep in mind our ultimate purpose, the reason for which we were created, to bring glory to God.
Some athletes point to the sky to acknowledge the source of their ability. Others do not feel comfortable with such a public practice. Neither is right or wrong. However, competing for God’s glory is much more than pointing to the sky. It is about whole-life conduct. It is about how you treat your competitors (no unfair advantages), about how you react to victory or defeat, about treating the officials with respect even when a call goes against you.
Remember the words of Saint Francis of Assisi “Preach the gospel always, if necessary use words”. As you compete, give glory to God always, if necessary use words.