Humility: An FCA Devotional For CompetitorsSample

Put on Humility

Ready: “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”  – Colossians 3:12

Set: In sports and in life, humility is in short supply. Everywhere we look, we’re faced with people who seek the spotlight. Competitors are quick to take credit when things go right. And every level of competition puts the best athletes on pedestals, so they come to expect the love, admiration and status that come with success.

True humility is refreshing. That’s what makes it so remarkable when we see someone at the top of his or her game operating with genuine humility. We truly appreciate when a successful athlete gives credit to coaches, teammates and others, and when they own their mistakes and don’t make excuses when they fail.

Humility is all wrapped up in your motive. Your motive for wanting to win or be the best is either to draw attention to yourself or to bring glory to someone else. One thing is certain: Your true motive will always be revealed under the spotlight. When you get attention, what comes out of your mouth exposes the motive and condition of your heart.

Whenever you are striving to be your absolute best, there’s the potential you’ll do some great things. The spotlight will become an opportunity for you to tell people what’s most important to you.

Humility is only possible when your “why” is properly aligned. When the reason you want something is consistent with a pure heart and motive, you’ll naturally show humility whenever you get attention for your achievement, because humility never says “look at me.” It always points to God with thanksgiving.    – Jimmy Page

Go:

1. What’s your motive for striving to be your best both on the field and with your life?
2. Do you give God the glory when you get attention?
3. What are some ways you can let your light shine and point to Jesus when the spotlight is on you?

Overtime: Father, we all seek the spotlight at some point in our lives. But Jesus came to live His life as a servant, always pointing to You. That is the example I want to follow. Please allow me to understand my motivation of why I do what I do, and rid me of any selfish ambition. Let me dress in humility today. Amen.

This text appeared in FCA Magazine.