Use Your Gifts

 No matter what sport we play or coach, each one of us has been given specific gifts. Whether we compete at the middle school, high school, college or professional level, each one of us has been given gifts. When we put those gifts to use according to God’s purpose for them, great things happen.

God is the giver of every good thing. No matter where we are at in our athletic life, God gave us what we are using. He is the reason we can run, jump and throw. He is the reason we can swing a racquet, club or bat. There are even some world-class athletes who don’t run, but still use God’s gifts of athleticism. For instance, did you know that this year’s Boston Marathon was covered in less than two hours by an amazing athlete in a wheelchair?

No matter how we play a sport, the fact that we are able to play at all is truly a gift from God. When we realize that God created the universe, it is easier to comprehend that He gave us athletic ability. The question then comes down to whether or not we are using those gifts to bring glory to Him or to ourselves.

The world tells us that we play to win. I’ve heard (and even said myself) the statement, “If they didn’t care who won, they wouldn’t keep score.” I don’t know a single athlete or coach who likes to lose. But, if our only goal is to win the game, we aren’t using the gifts God has given us in the way He wants us to.

Today, whether you win or lose, realize that God has blessed you with the ability to compete. Then, go out and do your best to honor Him with what you’ve been given.