In 2007, I was one of the protagonists of Milan's Champions League victory and was named the winner of the most prestigious and coveted award in all of soccer – the Ballon d’Or, awarded to the single most dominant soccer player on a planet of six billion people! On paper and in the public eye, I was considered the best player in the world at that time.
Two years later, I decided to make a move to one of the biggest clubs in the world – Real Madrid, making me the second-most expensive player in the world at the time. But when I arrived, I had difficulty in finding continuity in games, at first because of injuries, and then because of the coach's choices. If you search my name, Google will tell you I was labeled as one of the worst acquisitions in Real Madrid’s history.
Different opinions about me and my performance swirled all around me, and in that moment, I was faced with the question we all face at some point in our lives: who am I?
For me, the title of “best player in the world” was not my identity. The “flop” at Real Madrid was also not my identity.
“I belong to Jesus.”
My identity is rooted in something unshakable and unchanging: I am loved by God.
So are you.
Many try to fill the longing in their hearts with sports, success, fame, or money, but when the glory fades, they are left empty. We all have a human need for something more than this world offers – that something more is Jesus. Until we make the decision to join Jesus’ team, we will never find what our heart is seeking. When you find Christ as the main reason for your life, all other things gain even greater meaning.
To belong to Jesus means that we find our identity in him. We have been adopted into his family, and we are no longer defined by what anyone else says about us, but by who He says we are.
Footballers belong to many different clubs and nationalities. But as Christians, we are citizens of a different Kingdom with only one King. We belong to Jesus. Whether you feel like you’ve made it or failed, there is room for you in His family.
Challenge
Do you belong to Jesus? Have you trusted Jesus as your Lord and Savior?
If not, what is holding you back?
If you Belong to Jesus, how can you share this Good News that we have a new identity in Christ with friends, teammates, or family?
Prayer
Father, thank you for choosing me and inviting me into your family. I surrender my life completely to you because I belong to Jesus. You are what my heart seeks. Help me to keep my identity rooted in you alone, not in my performance and not in what others are saying about me. Keep my eyes focused on you. In Jesus's name, amen.
Who We Are
If you’re wondering what it really means to belong to Jesus—to know Him personally and experience the love and purpose Kaka is talking about—we here at Athletes in Action would love to help you take that next step. Click here to begin your journey of discovering who Jesus is and how you can have a relationship with Him.