J.O.Y. – Even Athletes Get It

The Super Bowl is now just a day away. Most of us are finalizing our shopping and prepping our dips, snacks, and other entertainment for the ‘Big Game.’ The players starring in the Super Bowl, however, are taking these last few days addressing the media.

Amongst the many players who talk about their preparation for the game and what they plan to do if they win, one particular player took the time to share something a little more meaningful in his life.

Seattle Seahawk’s quarterback, Russell Wilson took the time during his January 27^th presser to discuss his faith as a Christian athlete.

He told the media, “In terms of my legacy off the field, I want to be a Christian man that helps lead and helps change lives and helps serve other people. It’s not about me, you know. It’s not about me and it’s about just helping other people. So that’s kind of where I keep my focus.”

The 26-year-old quarterback went on to discuss the importance of his faith in his daily life.

“In terms of my faith, my faith is everything: God comes first, family and friends come second, and football comes third. I think when you keep it in that order, great things happen to you. You don’t stress out about much.”

For such a gifted athlete as Wilson who has already won one Super Bowl last year, it is refreshing to hear him talk about his priorities. Whether you’re an athlete, a 9-5 worker, or a stay at home mom/dad, our priorities should always be God, family, friends/others, then everything else besides us.

Wilson is living out Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

Many times I have tried to do things on my own. Most times than not, I have failed. But when I seek God first, it is amazing to see that everything else seems to fall into place.

For Russell Wilson, by seeking God and placing Him first in his life, God has blessed him with an already great career with one Super Bowl ring and an opportunity to win another.

Though, the important connection made for Wilson, and we must make as well, is that he knows that his gift comes from God and all glory goes to Him. He explained to reporters, “For me, I’m able to use my gift to glorify God. That’s what it’s about for me.”

So for us, do we have our priorities straight? Are we putting God first? And in the end, are we giving God the glory He so well deserves?