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

Pilgrim, Not a Performer

It’s been over twenty years since I graduated from playing D1 sports. Here’s a short list of what I don’t remember:

• Many of my times at specific races
• The place I finished
• What teammates I beat or which ones beat me

Do you know what I remember vividly?

• Long bus trips and card games
• Always stopping at the nasty buffet food style restaurants during road trips
• Early morning workouts where all of us dreaded what was about to happen
• Post practice Mexican food (bad choice) every Tuesday afternoon

Most retired athletes will give you a similar list. What we remember and reflect on the most is not the destination, but the journey.

As athletes, we identify most often with our latest performance. Every game, every play, every season can feel like a test of worth. We would be wise to heed Paul’s advice to Philippians 3:20 when he reminds them that their ultimate identity isn’t tied to performance—it’s tied to being citizens of heaven.

That means we are athletic pilgrims. Pilgrims? Let me explain.

Being a pilgrim means you’re on a journey through a foreign land. That’s what Paul is saying to the Philippians—and to us. Our citizenship is not of this world. We belong to God as citizens of heaven. When we understand that everything that happens to us in this life is meant to shape us more fully into the character of God, we begin to see that our temporary setbacks, wins, and losses are part of a larger story. We’re not defined by any one season, statistic, or award.

Our identity as pilgrims should be a constant reminder that we are “strangers in a foreign land” and that our faithfulness to Christ should cause us to look different than those around us. It should also help us appreciate the journey without obsessing over the destination. This should bring freedom! We can compete with passion and discipline, but our hearts are anchored in what lasts forever. Each practice, each game, each challenge is a step toward a greater finish line.

Ultimately, having a “pilgrim perspective” keeps us focused on what truly matters: living for God, with God, and reflecting His glory through every aspect of our athletic journey.

Question to Consider: How can keeping your “citizenship in heaven” in mind change the way you approach daily training, competition, and setbacks?