How to Live Out Your Influence as an Athlete

As athletes, we have influence. We can endorse our favorite sports teams, brands, or causes and make a difference on our team, in our schools, and in our communities. But have you ever thought of how we can leverage our level of influence and live out a life that honors and glorifies God?

This is a question I found myself asking as an 8^th grader. As a junior varsity player, I was invited to practice with the varsity girls basketball team at my high school. While I was grateful for the opportunity to elevate my game, I was fearful of making a mistake and not fitting in with the older girls. I had never considered how God had strategically placed me on this team, at this time, for a specific purpose.

“Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.” –1 Timothy 4:12

I couldn’t help being the youngest one on the court, and I decided it would be my personal mission to boldly live out my influence as an athlete and ask God to help my words, actions, and attitudes glorify Him.

Let’s dive deeper into how we can use our own words, actions and attitudes to glorify God as athletes. 

Words

As we scroll though social media, stream live games or match up against hometown rivals, we unfortunately hear a lot of coaches and athletes saying things and speaking in tones that are not pleasing to the Lord. Most people dismiss what is said during competitions, excusing it because it’s often said in the heat of the game. But as followers of Jesus, we are called to be different.

What if we gave helpful reminders of the next play so we don’t repeat our mistakes instead of yelling to blame our teammates after an error? What if we spoke words of encouragement to our teammates? Let’s look to be the example in what we say.

“No foul language should come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need, so that it gives grace to those who hear.” –Ephesians 4:29

Actions

Making an impact as athletes goes far beyond what we say; we must follow through with our actions in the way we live. Everyone is watching during the game, but it’s often the seemingly unnoticeable things that matter the most to God. The little things we do have a big impact on our lives. Whatever type of effort we put in, the appropriate results will follow. Do we complete every rep and touch every line even when our coach’s back is turned?

Even when people aren’t watching, there’s no hiding from the Lord, who sees all things. (Proverbs 15:3) When we choose to live and compete for Him on and off the court, God helps us live out our influence as athletes through the power of His Holy Spirit.

“Don’t be deceived: God is not mocked. For whatever a person sows he will also reap, because the one who sows to his flesh will reap destruction from the flesh, but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit. Let us not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us work for the good of all, especially for those who belong to the household of faith.” -Galatians 6:7-10

Attitude

While it is great to say and do the right things, our attitude makes all the difference. The reason we say and do things reveals a lot about the posture of our hearts.

Our attitudes as Christian athletes must be full of love: Love for God and our teammates; love that leads us to walk with the Lord (John 15:9-17); love that grows in our love for others (1 John 4:19-21); love that teaches us how to live (Ephesians 1:4). The greatest example of a loving attitude comes from God who loved us and gave us His Son (John 3:16). Because of His love for us, we have the opportunity to shine the light of His love in the sports world.

“He said to him, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important command.’” –Matthew 22:37-38

Live in such a way that you’ll have a teammate notice something different in your words, actions, and attitudes. This will be your opportunity to live out your influence as an athlete and share the hope found in Jesus Christ.

LIVE IT OUT

Theme Verse: “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” - Romans 15:13

Quarter Verse: “And may the Lord cause you to increase and overflow with love for one another and for everyone, just as we do for you.” –1 Thessalonians 3:12

Question: How does what you say and do reflect your relationship with God?

Challenge: Find an accountability partner who will call you out when you aren’t representing Christ well and who will encourage you in His love to live out your faith.

CTA: As athletes, we have influence. We can endorse our favorite sports line, and make a difference on our team, in our schools and in our communities. How can we leverage our level of influence to live out a life that honors and glorifies God? Discover how through the E3 Discipleship journey. 

*If you read this article and aren’t in relationship with Christ yet but would like to know more, we invite you to go through FCA’s The FOUR that explains how an everlasting and fulfilling life with God is possible.