What Comes First?

A.B. De Villiers, the best cricket player on the South African cricket team, carries numerous amazing records and is well respected in the cricket world. He says, “As a Christian, my faith is crucial for my approach to life. Jesus is everything in my life – He’s the man. My faith means more to me than playing for my country. It comes first.”

Every athlete has a dream to play for his country and make international records. This is always a challenge for me – what is the priority of my life? In the lives of athletes and coaches, priorities keep changing, depending on competitions and championships. Usually, in the sports world, the first goal is to win, as it should be. But, there is something more precious than winning.

AB De Villiers’s priority is unique. His relationship with the Lord Jesus is more important than playing for his country. He seems well aware of his limited sport carrier, growing age, and departure from this mortal world.

Sports are part of a fallen world that needs light, hope, and restoration. Christian athletes have an excellent opportunity to show coaches and other athletes who we are, what we are doing, and where we are going. We are called to be salt and light for this broken and hopeless world of sports.