Christian Athletes Speak Out About Abiding in Christ
by Juliet Roberts

The quarterback bows his head in prayer before the game, the tennis player wears a cross necklace, the coach has a word of prayer in the locker room with her players. Simple gestures for a profound faith. Not all Christian athletes wear their faith on their sleeve, but if you’re wondering whether or not you should take a bold step onto the field of faith, maybe some thoughts from Christian athletes will help get you off the bench. Let’s listen closely to their words, because in them we just may hear echoes of our own faith:

Getting started Dreams are renewable. No matter what our age or condition, there are still untapped possibilities within us and new beauty waiting to be born.--Dr. Dale Turner, a founder of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

I don’t go around preaching in the locker room. But I try to live a certain way, and maybe that will have some kind of effect. I think God has allowed me to have an impact on a few people’s lives.--Reggie White, Green Bay Packers.

I entered the game wearing a 'Jesus Is the Reason' wristband as a reminder to focus on Jesus Christ and let my God-given playing abilities take over. I don't have to worry about filling anyone's shoes, because I play for Jesus Christ. I have no fear of losing or of failure because Jesus Christ has already won the greatest victory for me on the cross.--Cameron Dollar, UCLA basketball athlete on winning NCAA championship game, Charisma, 1995.

1993 I went to a church service in Zimbabwe and the message from the Pastor touched my heart. At that service I prayed and invited Jesus into my life and committed myself to living for Him. I now understand that God wants me to use the platform Jesus has given me. As I grow in my relationship with Him I realize the important part He plays, not only in my football but in every area of life especially in my relationship with my wife and with others also. He has given me the opportunity to tell others that He has given me purpose and peace and He makes life worth living. I want to encourage others to join me in serving Jesus.--Edzai Kasinayo, Zimbabwe soccer player.

We're not going to talk about the differences. We're going to focus on what's central, that Jesus is who He says He was... We have the same core beliefs. We find that's our strength. Not for baseball, but for life.--Chad Curtis, New York Yankee outfielder, Aug. 23, 1998 "New York Times".

God restored me to the person He had created me to be. The lights came on. It was an adventure again... God has brought me full circle. When I came into the NFL I totally trusted Him. I knew the only way I was in the NFL was because of God. I just went wherever He took me. I had no agenda, no aspirations, no goals aside from following Him.--Jon Kitna, Cincinnati Bengals.

You are who you are in Christ. There is pressure sometimes and there is not pressure other times. But I don't flip a switch and turn my faith on and off. Once Christ's peace, joy, compassion, love and patience is in you, it affects everything.--Chan Gailey, head football coach of the Dallas Cowboys, May, 1999 Baptist Press.

Everyone has been given gifts and talents that the Lord wishes to use to declare His name--Andre Vos, captain of the Springbrook rugby team in South Africa.

Real men do live for Christ. It is important to make your peace with Christ while the opportunity exists. Life is so fragile that you never know when it's going to be over. It could be over in the blink of an eye, and then it's too late to accept God's gift of salvation.--Chuck Norris, martial arts star and actor (first non-Asian to receive eighth-degree Black Belt Grand Master), July, 2000, New Man.

I know because of my faith in God that everything happens for a reason. There is a destiny for each of us. In life's journey, how many lives can we affect in a positive way? Life isn't about one person -- me, or you --- it's about all of us and how we can learn to lift other people up. That's what really makes life worth living and what gives us purpose on earth. I hope when my days are done that people can look and say that I have a made a difference in the lives of many people.--Dot Richards, 1996 USA gold medal Softball team.

Irrespective and irregardless to whatever [Evander Holyfield's] skills and talent are in the boxing ring, his heart is right with God, and that's what's first and foremost. I have come this far by faith, trusting in [God's] holy Word, leaning on Him, and He's never failed me yet. How does our success come about? Just look up and ask for Jesus Christ, the matchless Lamb, the Prince of Peace... and you will find the answer.--Don King, boxing promoter, Sept., 1999, New Man - (comments before the infamous Holyfield/Tyson fight).

I wasn't put on this Earth to play basketball, although I love to play and I love to compete. And it's a great avenue for me to experience special moments when I can help people. Two things are sacred to me - my family and my religion. I am never embarrassed by Jesus Christ. Without Him I wouldn't be in the position I am today.--Karl Malone, basketball star, first player in NBA history to be named to 11 All-NBA first teams. Sept. 13, 1999, Baptist Press.

The most wonderful thing I have learned since I gave my life to Christ is that this Christian stuff not only creates and inspires a power within and a passion for life, but this Christian stuff is also personal, alive and real... Being a Christian is about knowing a living and breathing God.--Michelle Akers, soccer athlete. FIFA Women's Player of the Century; U.S. National Team, 1999, www.michelleakers.com.

I'll just say, 'For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life.' I am trusting Christ's death for me to take me to heaven.--Mickey Mantle, Hall Of Fame baseball player, Aug. 1995, "Springfield Newsletter", a few days before his death.

More than anything, it's my relationship with Jesus Christ. I don't think anything is important in comparison to living for your Creator. Everything has to come from that foundation. Nothing really matters in the big picture other than what you do for the Lord. --Paul Westphal, NBA basketball coach commenting on the secret of his success, Jul-95, Inside Journal.

I think everybody realizes there is a Lord Jesus Christ. Whether they're committed to Him or not, it's gonna be important to them before they die to make that decision. We're talking eternal life - we're talking forever.--Randy Johnson, professional baseball pitcher; 4 straight Cy Young awards, Aug, 1996, Sports Spectrum.

It is important to recognize that Jesus came as a servant, not as a king. In coaching, there is often a temptation for the coach to see himself as the ultimate authority and the athletes as being subservient. If Jesus is the model, then the coach is truly a servant of his players.--Tom Osborne, football coach, University of Nebraska, 1999, "Faith in the Game".

Through that friend who loved me and cared for me, I accepted Christ and my past was forgiven. I knew then that I never had to again be that terrible person I had been. It has been incredible to have Christ in my life; without Him, I never would have made it to the Olympics.--Dave Johnson, decathlon hall of fame 2000.

And now let us tell you about another kind of athlete. Not as famous, but perhaps more vitally important to society than professional athletes. This athlete’s daily marathon of responsibilities requires the utmost in athletic agility, endurance and faith. This athlete is called: "Single Mom!"

Or perhaps this not so famous athlete could be a Christian named: "Chronically Ill"-- "Lonely Shut-in"--"Disabled Feeling Abandoned"--"Persecuted at Work"--"Addicted and Struggling"—"Single Seeking Marriage"—"Married Seeking Reconciliation"-- or maybe this not so famous athlete could even be named "You!"

Open your Bible, my fellow Christian athletes, and take a look at Hebrews 12:1-4 and John 15.

Our grueling race on this earth is already won for us on the cross by Christ Jesus our Lord! Halleluiah!

In your daily "grace race" may the word of God dwell in you richly as you truly abide in Christ, renewing your minds through the Word. Love to all you brothers and sisters who are victorious Christian athletes because you persevere in whatever you face in life. We have a great and awesome Coach named Jesus. A vitally important, (important to God) yet not so famous or even professional Christian athlete named Juliet Roberts, (that's Juliet, not Julia Roberts the actress)

Article Source: Christian Articles Network