Athletes for Christ

1 Peter 4: 10-11

Over the past year, I've come across scripture and even some other readings on using our talents and skills to bring God to others. Some of us have many talents, some very few. But part of putting those talents to good use is learning how to use them to benefit others, not just ourselves.

I'd like to believe that God gave me not only the ability, but the talent to run well, and not just for the purpose of running or staying in shape. Aside from simply giving credit to Him, how do athletes use their athleticism for a greater good?

Here are some ways to inspire others and bring God glory with your athletic talents, if you have any:

•  Suffer a life-altering injury or illness, but overcome it with faith, prayer, and determination.
• (Along the same lines), get bitten by a shark, and learn how to adjust to your sport without a(n) (insert limb).
• Use your athletic abilities to become rich and famous; then give your earnings to orphans and widows and credit to God.

I know this sounds like I'm mocking God, Wilma Rudolph, Lance Armstrong, Bethany Hamilton, and countless others who have inspired the world, but I truly admire them for enduring their plights and keeping their faith. I've even witnessed with my own eyes, be it in person or on youtube, how God can use one person with incredible athletic talent to reach as few as one non-believer, or as many as thousands. 

At times, I've envied these athletes. Selfishly, I've imagined myself in some of the previously mentioned scenarios, inspiring people around the world, giving to charities, giving motivational speeches at schools or hospitals, etc. In reality, though, I'm just a girl who can run long distances (if I train, of course).

At the end of the day, I'm left wondering, "Who saw me running out there and decided to turn to God?" "Who have I inspired, and how?" "What has my talent done for anyone, spiritually?"




Maybe scripture doesn't apply here, but then, why should I bother to ever lace up again? That thought just doesn't seem right. For now, I suppose I'm fine with not knowing. I'll just keep running and let God do his thing.


Peace