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When we hear the name Martin Luther King Jr., certain words pop into our head: activist, freedom, equality, peace and love. Dr. King radically shifted history. He left behind a legacy that will be taught generation after generation.

If we dive into Dr. King’s life, we find out he was also an athlete. Dr. King was passionate about baseball and even played multiple sports as he grew up. However, his legacy isn’t his sports stats, highlights or accomplishments; his legacy is what he did for others and our nation. He lived a life that was greater than himself.

Multiple people in Scripture left a legacy:

• The disciple, Simon Peter, was an amazing fisherman, but we don’t remember him for how many fish he could catch; instead, we remember him as one of the first disciples.

• Paul was an apostle who could preach eloquently and reach the masses, but we don’t remember him for his days of preaching or the number of people in the crowds; instead, we remember his dedication and adoration for Jesus.

• Jesus, who could turn water into wine, heal the blind, and multiply a few pieces of bread and fish to feed thousands, is most remembered for His sacrifice and forgiveness of our sins on the cross. Each of these people left a legacy greater than themselves.

When it comes to our sports, academics and other activities, are we missing the greater purpose and the legacy we could leave? When we take our final breath, what will people remember about us? Will they have more to remember us by than just the total number of home runs or touchdowns? Will they speak of what we did for others or just what we did ourselves?

When we live a life greater than ourselves, the goal isn’t to leave a legacy for ourselves but one that points to God’s goodness, grace and the Gospel.

What will we leave behind? A life that was all about us and our sport, or a life that was all about God and glorifying Him?