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

Missionary > Athlete

Yesterday, we talked about our identity as ambassadors for Christ. Part of that ambassador identity means that we act and speak like the One we are representing. And the God we serve desires that we would live with missional intentionality.

Athlete, it is no mistake that God has given you the abilities you possess. It is also no mistake that God has placed you where you are. Why has he placed you there? To be a minister of reconciliation. Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:18 that God has given us the ministry of reconciliation.

Us. You. Me. This is not a purpose or ministry given only to "professional" Christians but to all professing Christians. We have all been given the ministry of reconciliation—and that makes us all missionaries.

Understanding this part of your identity in Christ can be both empowering and terrifying. On one hand, we are chosen by God to partner with him in advancing his kingdom. On the other hand, there is a responsibility that comes with this incredible privilege.

I think the two biggest fears we have when it comes to sharing our faith with others are assuming those on the receiving end of our sharing don’t want to hear about God and being uncertain of what we’ll say when the moment arrives.

Regarding the first fear, so what? Your opponent doesn’t want to get beaten, but that doesn’t stop you from taking it to them. Your teammate wants your spot on the team, but that doesn’t stop you from doing everything in your power to keep it. If we have the best news in the history of the world to share, we need to share it—using wisdom—and trust that God will bless our efforts for his glory. And no, not everyone will believe. But some will. Earlier in 2 Corinthians, Paul mentions that those who bring the good news of the gospel will be an aroma of death to some, but to others, an aroma of life (2 Corinthians 2:16). We can guess what aroma the gospel will take in the lives of those around us, but only God really knows.

When we neglect to share the good news because we fear how others will respond, we prioritize fear of man over the glory of God. In short, we prioritize self. We place a greater emphasis on our worldly identity over our heavenly identity.

In his letter to the Galatians, Paul says, “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ” (Galatians 1:10 ESV).

But what will you say in those moments? The Holy Spirit’s got you. Jesus says, “And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, or the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say" (Luke 12:11-12 ESV).

The Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.

Now, Jesus is telling his disciples that when they get arrested, they don’t need to worry about what to say because the Holy Spirit will give them the words. But if the Holy Spirit empowers during moments of chaos—like being persecuted for our faith—wouldn’t it hold true that he does so when we step out in faith and talk to others about God, too?

The mission of God is to redeem all creation back to Himself. As missionaries, our role is to share the good news that Jesus is God and we are not, that he died on a cross 2000 years ago for our sins, rose from the dead, declared victory over sin and death, and offers us life in him if we declare him Savior and Lord.

Perhaps the best definition of successful evangelism I have ever heard reads like this: Taking the initiative in the power of the Holy Spirit and leaving the results to God. God’s in charge of the results. We’re responsible to step out in faith and share about his goodness to those around us.

Our identity as a missionary in Christ is greater than our identity as an athlete because our hearts long for the things of eternity—not the things of this world. Wins and successes are great, but they offer temporary satisfaction in our souls. We are made to be a part of something greater than sports.

Questions to Consider: What teammate(s) could you reach out to today and engage in a spiritual conversation? What’s stopping you from taking that step of faith?