Do people talk about you and your success as an athlete? Have you ever read about yourself online or on the local social media page? 

I don’t know about you, but for me, it felt good when others were writing about my accomplishments in sport many years ago. 

Growing up playing pickup basketball or competing in the summer leagues, I loved hearing the words, “I’ve heard of you,” or “I know your name.” It felt good and gave me confidence for the work I put into my sport. 

It was like a powerful shot in the arm to validate my abilities, hard work and intentionality of honing my craft as an athlete.

Have you ever experienced that? 

What about your faith in Christ? 

Are people talking about how your faith has impacted your life and those around you?

When Paul was writing to the church in Ephesus, he championed them and their faith in action!

He said, “Because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him” (Ephesians 1:15-17).

Paul was celebrating their faith in Christ and their actions demonstrated as a result of their faith in Christ. Not only did Paul celebrate and champion their faith, he also prayed for them and asked the Father to give them and grow “a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him” (Ephesians 1:17).

Being known for your sport is fun, but being known because of your faith impacts eternity and God’s kingdom!

What is one faith action you can take today that would be a reflection of the love of the Father to someone else?

What would it look like for you to compete and live your life for Christ in a way that will cause others to talk about what God is doing in and through your life and sport?

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