Matt Hasselbeck

Playing for an audience of one.

Clay Dyer, pro bass fisherman

At the end of this great piece, Clay says something profound. The man who was born with no legs and no arms says that whatever he's doing, whether it be eating or anything else, if he knows people are watching him, he wants them to be thinking, "I want what that guy's got."

I don't know if Clay is a believer in Jesus Christ, but that comment sums up what a Christian's life should be about.

My pastor preached a sermon the other day on being content with the circumstances that God has placed you in. He said if we want to share our faith with those around us, we should start by living content with where God has us. People should look at our reactions to normal daily life, see how we are satisfied and content, and think, "I want what that guy's got." From this point on, evangelism is easy. It's giving the answer to..."what that guy's got" that is so appealing.

Athlete, your slump, your bad game, or your bad play can be an opportunity to "be different." When others panic, worry, frustrate, or quit, you will shake it off and continue to compete. Maybe people will think to themselves, "I want what that guy's got."

Competitor's Creed - Part 3

I do not trust in myself.
I do not boast in my abilities or believe in my own strength.
I rely solely on the power of God.
I compete for the pleasure of my Heavenly Father, the honor of Christ and the reputation of the Holy Spirit.

This is my favorite part of the creed. It makes me want to put on the uniform and go compete for my Lord. We as athletes have been coached to "have pride," "believe in yourself," and "rely on your teammates," to "represent your school," and to "make your parents proud."

The creed poses a challenge. It probably goes against everything you know in your sport. I love it, and I hope that you also get excited about the opportunity you have to compete for the pleasure of your Heavenly Father.

Let me leave you with a movie quote that first got me fired up about competing for Christ. It is from the movie Chariots of Fire.

"I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run I feel His pleasure."

Honoring God

How do you honor God in your sport? Here are a few ideas: This is not a complete list



1. Have a good attitude. "Do everything without complaining or arguing," Phl. 2:14
Do you complain about referees, umpires, officials, your coach, your teammate, the weather, or your opponent?

2. Practice and Play with an effort that would please Christ. "Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but {only} one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win." -1 Cor. 9:24
Are you just out their playing or are you competing to win? God's word does not tell us to win, but to give a winning effort. Do you give a winning effort in practice? in your games? Do you get lazy at practice or in the game? Do you think that pleases God?

3. Use your God-given skills as a tool for His kingdom. Be an example to others of what Jesus would have played like if he played your sport. "I do all things for the sake of the gospel, so that I may become a fellow partaker of it." -1 Cor. 9:23
Are people turned off to Jesus by watching you compete or are they drawn to learn more about Him? Are you committed, loyal, teachable, positive, joyful, humble, patient, discipline, and a good teammate?