Throughout my career as a student athlete I have struggled defining what it looks like to live out an authentic Christian walk amongst my peers. Christian athletes are in such rare air in regards to the consistent opportunities they have to present the gospel to teammates and faculty. I can speak from personal experience – I have found myself overthinking how to present the gospel. I know that with my peers and teammates, providing authenticity and realness to such an abstract topic like “Jesus coming down and dying for my sins” can be daunting. However, to combat that feeling, I have been challenged to first address my own walk with Christ.

As I have learned and grown in my faith, I have been able to articulate my faith in an extremely refreshing way. I have been able to tangibly and honestly pinpoint change and conviction the Lord has brought about in my life and in those around me. There is a realness that the Lord operates with that permeates and breaks down barriers that many feel are in the way, hindering their experience in Christ. This realness that the Lord operates so powerfully with led me to think about the ways in which my walk is lacking “realness.” Then I had to work on bridging the gap between the facade of a Christian walk that can be found in some Christian communities, and the real truth of the gospel that can be found working in the hearts and lives of gang bangers, prostitutes, drug dealers, addicts, etc.

I found myself coming to a crossroad, operating out of the ability to be in this world but not of this world, integrated into this society, but not identifying as part of this society. While it may seem like this life would be difficult, living out a Christian walk on the edge, this practice provides the absolute greatest opportunity to be authentic in one’s faith.

As believers, we are called to live with and serve the marginalized and those stuck in darkness. As believers, we are called to serve those in distress and pray for those who have not yet found the kingdom. I have begun to realize what that looks like in my life and how to extend God’s love to those battling through this monotonous life.

One example of this is in the party culture that is so prevalent on college campuses and familiar to collegiate athletes. Spreading truth and being authentic in one’s faith can come in the form of being present at a function and engaging in thought-provoking, genuine conversation which many may not be accustomed to in that setting. This also may look like simply offering rides home to those who may not have a ride. These acts, while they may seem basic and insignificant, simply provide greater opportunity to serve those who may be lost.

The authentic Christian serves as a cross bridge to unbelievers who are seeking truth. This bridge provides tangible, real opportunity to begin relationship and ministry with those who do not know the Savior. Most importantly it serves as a change agent to remove the stain Christians of past and present have left. Christianity has been plagued by a bubble-like faith that is present in certain settings and gives off an unrealistic expression of what this faith really and truly is.

Authenticity is a divine gift from the Creator. Something I have realized over time spent in thought and wonder is the process of expressing true authenticity. I have had to battle my inner struggles — whether they be pride, honesty, conviction or insecurity. That ongoing battle that we will never completely resolve while we reside on this earth enables us to lead more genuine lives, to be present in our specific communities, such as our teams, our family, our friends and those whom we are called to serve.

I have found a believer cannot in a true sense express the gospel, or the gospel that has worked within themselves in a true, authentic manner, unless they have taken on their own human battles first, identifying and defining who they are as sons and daughters of the Creator and meeting head-on the true broken nature all humans have been born into in this fallen world.

While there is no blueprint or step-by-step process laying out how to represent this faith in an authentic manner, we can only try to delve deeper into the truth that is the gospel and continue a relentless commitment to honest service to our Creator.

The task is before us as a community; the road has been set before us. It is long and daunting, but with it comes a joy, peace, and unity that transcends human understanding. I challenge you as my brothers and sisters in Christ to reflect on your Christian walk and evaluate whether you are representing a true authentic faith. Here’s what has helped me in my attempt to live an authentic Christian life.