In the world of soccer, in one day you can be unknown, and the next, you can be a superhero. This instant recognition and glory may be appealing, but it comes at a cost. No matter how grounded someone may think they are in their values, being thrown into the spotlight puts those values to the test. And as people who are broken, lost and caught up in sin, we often fail that test.
Without an anchor, fame and success can make us double-minded and change who we are and what we believe. A big performance can take us high on the love of the crowd, and a failure on the big stage can leave us in despair when the love of the crowd fades.
These ups and downs of sport can sometimes give the false impression that you are what you produce, distorting your true identity. So, regardless of the outcome, be at peace knowing you gave your all to excel at what you do, remembering that what we do is always for the honor and glory of God.
You are valued by God. You are chosen.
For me, humility was the foundation to wrestle with this contrast. Everywhere I went was because of His grace. I planted the seeds of my gift and watered it through hard work and dedication, but it was God who provided the success. I walked with a humility that understood that even though I don't deserve it, He loves me and offered me salvation, a path of communion for a relationship with Him.
God does not evaluate us by merit or achievements. In the kingdom of God, the greatest achievement is to have faith in believing that Jesus is the Son of God, who came to save us and restore our relationship with the Father again.
Now, even though I'm no longer playing on the biggest stage of football, my value before God hasn't changed. I was a child of God when I lifted the World Cup trophy, and I am a child of God when I go to places where people don't know who I am.
Challenge
Take some time to reflect. Are you defining yourself by your results or as someone valued before God?
What is something you can do to continually remind yourself that God’s grace is enough?
Spend some time journaling on the scriptures below to understand your value before God.
Prayer
Father, we thank you that you have chosen us as your sons and daughters. Help us to define ourselves by your truth rather than the results we produce. Grant us humility to accept and walk in your grace, and help us to recognize that all we have is because of You. Even when our value before others rises and falls, may we all hold firm in our value as children of the King. Amen.
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