Athlete Identity Crisis: 30 Days to Understanding Your Identity in Christনমুনা

Servant-Leader

If I asked you to list out your goals for the upcoming season, what would make your list? Do you want to improve on last year? Do you want to win a conference title or maybe a national title? Do you want to make the starting team or just make the team, period? Do you want to finally beat that rival that always seems to get the best of you?

None of those are bad. In fact, they all point to something good inside each of us, to some extent: the desire for greatness.

Greatness is a worthy goal, but only if it’s pursued the right way.

Jesus redefines greatness for us. True greatness isn’t about being the best (again, there is nothing wrong with pursuing that!) or gaining recognition—it’s about serving others. Your identity in Christ as a servant-leader flips the athletic hierarchy.

He spells this out for us in Mark 10:42-45. Jesus huddles everyone together and tells them that true greatness is serving others. Why? Because that’s what He does. Jesus models servant leadership and calls us to do likewise.

Being a servant-leader doesn’t diminish your performance—it enhances it. People are inspired not just by your skills, but by your character. When you combine talent with Christ-like service, you leave a legacy far beyond a scoreboard. Your role as a servant-leader is an expression of your identity in Christ. The way you serve others reflects the heart of the One who gave His life for you.

What if the next time your coach asked you to share your goals for the upcoming season, you started your list with “I want to be a servant leader on the team”?

Question to Consider: In what ways can you serve your teammates or lead by example this season, reflecting Christ through your actions?