How to Be a Happy Sportsperson: Game DaySample

Sportspeople face all kinds of criticism, and the higher up you play, the more public your profile and the more overt the abuse. The advent of social media has exacerbated this situation. For amateur sportspeople, it will more likely come in conversations and text messages. Everyone is now aware of the impact this mass negativity is having on players’ mental health. Jesus warns that regardless of whether you are a well-known sportsperson, if you are his disciple, you will be persecuted, and it was noted last week, this is the eighth characteristic of a disciple of Jesus Christ. Here, Jesus is very specific about the nature of this persecution. You can expect three things to happen during your sporting career. First, expect to be insulted about your faith, and people will say unpleasant things about you to your face. Secondly, these insults can become extreme, to the point of persecution. You may be physically and emotionally bullied. Thirdly, you will be slandered as people say nasty and untrue things about you behind your back. This kind of animosity is very unpleasant. It is helpful to recall the third and fifth characteristics of discipleship to cope with it. That is, be meek – remember that your natural condition of bankruptcy before God is so grim that no insults from others can even get close to exposing your actual flaws. The fifth characteristic of being a Christian is that you become merciful; you do not crave revenge. When you are persecuted and slandered, ask God to remind you that your critic may be trapped in the wrong place before God as you were without Christ. Ask God to help you avoid seeking revenge. Fundamentally we can remember that Christ is the perfect example of one who faced unspeakable persecution and yet remained meek and merciful. Even on the cross, he was able to, with love, look at those who persecuted him and ask God to forgive them. If you face any of these evils, today is a marvellous opportunity to show the incredible power of God. When you have been hurt in these ways, it will be an outstanding witness to the perpetrators that you continue to be wholeheartedly committed to competing to the best of your ability. The capacity to give all you have, physically, emotionally and mentally today, will be an outstanding representation of God’s power. Further, players and competitors who know about the insults, slander and persecution but are not engaging in this behaviour can be drawn to the God who enables you to behave in this dignified way. So, get out there and play. While you live and play in this world, you are a citizen of the kingdom of heaven. Your king is with you today, regardless of the persecution you have faced. Ask God for the resilience to compete with the knowledge he put you here. God gave you the skills and the relationships that enable you to play. In his strength, stun your opponents with love as you give your all alongside them today. ## Pray for yourself Dear Lord, Thank you that in the Lord Jesus was have someone who is the perfect example of facing unspeakable persecution and yet remaining meek and merciful. Thank you for how this is seen so clearly on the cross. Lord, help me respond rightly to any insults that come my way – to live radically despite any opposition. Thank you that I know you are with me. In your name, Amen. ## Pray for your friends. Finally, take a few minutes to pray for your sports friends and colleagues - that God will open a door for his message in your club or team.