An Athlete’s Overflow

It’s a wonderful thing that the gospel is for all people (Acts 1:8). Because of this, witnesses of the gospel are essential in all occupations, interests, and corners of the world. When there is something to connect over and all people involved are real with each other, gospel conversations flourish. Yet, sometimes as ambassadors, we look to those in the distance and miss people immediately around us. Some of the most engaging gospel conversations happen when a relationship is already established. And this can especially be seen in the life of a student-athlete. We can faithfully follow God’s commission for us to spread the gospel (Matt. 28:19) when we accept that the gospel is for everyone, embrace our shared passions, and intentionally reach those who are right next to us.

Fill up first

As an athlete, I’m frequently interacting with people around the same age as me who have a shared love for my sport. This is fertile land for a servant of Christ to witness to the surrounding world. However, an athlete’s witness, like any other person’s, begins before they hit the field, track, pool, court, etc. As stewards of God’s hopeful message, we need to be full of hope ourselves. For this to be the case, we need to abide in Christ (John 15: 5). To abide, or remain steadfast, in Christ requires nothing new. Consider the beginning of your Christian life and look no further than the gospel you’ve already heard and accepted.

Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father.

1 John 2:24

I would never feel prepared or confident to compete in a championship event if I hadn’t put in the proper practice. In the same way, we can’t properly give the good news if we aren’t filled up with its goodness.

To be honest, being an athlete is time consuming – which makes my time in the Word and in prayer so much more precious. As much as we discipline ourselves in our sport or job, we need to devote the same, if not more time, to growing with God. There is something special about being alone with God and His Word.

Additionally, sports have a great community aspect to them – lean into that! Whether it’s hanging out after practice or finding a common hobby with coworkers, we need to lean into those relationships. But, that community should not replace your involvement in your local church. Lean into friendships, mentorships, and service opportunities at your church. Regularly connect with God’s people because being saturated in a secular group can easily shift your heart and focus away from God. We need to guard ourselves from the ways of the world – even among our closest friends or teammates. Be the influencer, not the one influenced.

Living Witness

Gospel outreach is never done by our words alone. Imagine a teammate or coworker giving you corrections for your mistakes, yet you see them repeatedly doing the opposite of what they told you to do. The previous advice they gave you would fall dead on the floor and actually do worse for your development and trust in them. In the same way, our gospel conversations have to be accompanied by a faithful lifestyle.

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Matthew 5:16

Christ is the ultimate “light of the world” (John 8:12). When we live as Holy Spirit filled followers of Christ in accordance with Christ, He shines through us. Our lifestyle witness has a twofold benefit to reaching the lost: It reveals Christ to people in a real sense, and it opens and defends gospel conversations.

Understand you will make mistakes in both your character and delivery. Sports create highly emotional environments with people I see very often. They will see me make a mistake. That can be a good thing because it shows them that I’m imperfect just like them, and it opens the door for a gospel conversation where I might even need to apologize. Sometimes the best impression is a redeemed impression.

Athletics are a prime context for displaying a Christ centered lifestyle. My witness is one that can help the team and help others trust me. In whatever calling you’re in, pursue it with unwavering joy, commitment, selflessness, effort, encouragement, etc. and watch how you shine in a world that needs the light of Christ.

Time to share

As the gospel fills our hearts and overflows into our actions, we are called to intentionally pursue gospel conversations. Remember, the news is good. Don’t share the gospel with a teammate or coworker because you feel guilted into it. Let your words be driven by the love you have experienced in Christ and genuine concern for the lost who don’t know Him.

Athletic environments make for a great place to have gospel conversations. Those younger or less experienced will look up to me and consider my words. Those older or more experienced will be struck by my boldness and courage and likely give me their ears as well. Those around the same age and experience as me are usually those I’m around the most and connect the best with. While the Spirit is the one who changes hearts by shocking people to life through the love of Christ, we are the ones responsible for telling others of the love of Christ. Faith does come by hearing after all (Rom. 10:17).

And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard?

Romans 10:14

Gospel conversations are more than simply explaining salvation through Jesus. Make sure to connect with people and let it be as organic as possible. Listen to people and hear what their spiritual background is or what questions they have. Make a point to follow up with people as well. How would you have liked to hear the gospel for the first time?

It’s important to understand that there is a time and place to share. Your silent care at times may be the best witness. But always be on the lookout for opportunities to open up a conversation headed toward the gospel.

Don’t give up

The Lord may use you for 1 conversation or 10 years of faithful witnessing. So always be available for people. Sports have a strong emphasis on growth. Just as people might see my growth in athletic skills over time, let your growth in your faith be evident because it is clear and undeniable evidence of God’s grace. Sports have had a special way of creating lasting relationships. No matter the vocation, you may be alongside the same person for a decade or more. You never know when the Spirit may enlighten someone’s heart, so let Christ shine through you, both in your highs and your lows, and pursue gospel conversations with the people all around you.

Ethan Binns is a Men’s Lacrosse player at Grove City College (Class of 2028). He played lacrosse at Creekside High School (2020-2022) and Bolles High School (2022-2024). He is currently studying Biblical and Religious Studies.