I’ve always been naturally driven to succeed in my soccer career, but I tend to be more complacent in my spiritual life. For me, the greatest tool in combating that has been accountability within community.
By committing to attend a small group on Wednesday nights, I’m making a promise to myself and to the people in my group to show up, love, serve, and challenge my faith. Establishing a rhythm of community events and Bible studies helps me spend real, meaningful time in the Word, investing in my spiritual growth.
Truthfully, this is an area of growth for me. When I was playing in Dallas, I went through a series of frustrating hamstring injuries. As I talked through it with my older brother, I realized I was holding onto some bitterness, unforgiveness, and worry toward my circumstances. Focusing on those stressors was never going to fix the problem. If anything, it was making things worse.
Holding onto those negative emotions instead of bringing them to Jesus was not only weighing me down emotionally and spiritually, but physically as well. As I’ve matured in my faith, I’ve found that the more consistent I am in my spiritual disciplines, the easier it is to view my circumstances through a lens of faith. When Biblical values guide my attitude and the way I’m processing my career, I’m able to make wise decisions and play with a different kind of freedom.
My faith, not my desire for success on the field, determines my priorities. So when things don’t go well in my professional life, I can stay steady, grounded in who I am in Christ. The community of believers around me consistently reminds me of this truth: I’m loved and cared for as Walker, child of God, husband, and father, not Walker, the professional athlete.
Challenge
Who in your life can hold you accountable to be consistent in your walk with Jesus?
Take some time to reflect honestly. Who or what is determining your priorities?
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