At the collegiate and professional level, many teams utilize a sports scout to identify and evaluate talented athletes. They actively seek out potential prospects who possess the necessary skills, physical attributes and competitive drive to succeed at higher levels. Once identified and chosen by the scout, the athlete still needs to prove themselves and demonstrate their skills and ability to make the team.
Athletes are keenly aware of these scouts and keep a watchful eye for them when practicing and competing. They focus on proving themselves and standing out, which could lead to advancement in their sport.
Many athletes also seek the approval and recognition of their coaches, teammates and even their fans. We are all too familiar with the showboat player who scores a touchdown and immediately points to his chest or his name on the back of his jersey. They focus on themselves and seek others’ approval.
This mindset can even be seen off the field in the lives of individuals. We can seek out the approval of friends to be liked or accepted into a particular group. We want to be noticed and may feel like we must prove ourselves worthy.
As Christ followers, on the other hand, we should strive only to please the One who truly matters. He recognizes us not for what we do but for who we are, a child of the Almighty God. He not only recognizes us, but He created us to love us. He loves us so much that He sent His only Son to save us and give us eternal life through Him. He has chosen us to be in His family and on His team.
Jesus is Our Example
Jesus lived and died to please God alone.
“The one who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, because I always do what pleases him.” — John 8:29
He was affirmed by God.
“For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” — John 3:16
“While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased. Listen to him!’” — Matthew 17:5
The world encourages us to seek validation from others, but Scripture emphasizes the importance of finding our worth in God alone, rather than in human opinions. Proverbs 29:25 says, “The fear of mankind is a snare, but the one who trusts in the Lord is protected.”
Seek the Approval of God, Not Humans
Paul spoke of seeking the approval and recognition of man versus God.
“For am I now trying to persuade people, or God? Or am I striving to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” — Galatians 1:10
As ambassadors for Christ, our goal is to seek to please God, not the recognition, approval or praise of others.
God Knows the Motivations of Our Hearts
God knows our every thought and motive, and He should be our central focus. Colossians 3:23-24 says, “Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people, knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord. You serve the Lord Christ.”
We aren’t driven by applause, achievement or accolades — our motivation is to seek and serve God in our everyday work and our sport, honoring Him.
“Don’t work only while being watched, as people-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing God’s will from your heart. Serve with a good attitude, as to the Lord and not to people.” — Ephesians 6:6-7
Mark Long is the Virginia Mountain Multi-Area Director of FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) based in Roanoke, VA. He serves coaches, students and student athletes at middle schools, high schools, colleges and in community sports. FCA has a vision to see the world transformed by Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes. This is done by leading every coach and athlete into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and His church.
