The Audience of One
by Stella Whalen
Motivation is a peculiar thing. It can stem from the intangible feelings of ambition, hatred, joy or hurt, the spiritual beliefs in fate, the universe, astrology, God, etc. or it can simply come in the form of another human being. Every athlete has a drive whether they are aware of the force that drives them or not.
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Watercolor painting of one silhouette standing out in a crowd. |
Many coaches ask their athletes what their 'why' is, why they do what they do, and who or what they do it for. Some do it for themselves in pursuit of becoming their best or the best. Some for the way it makes them feel: to be included, surrounded by a team and held accountable in becoming an honorable person and athlete. And others do it for the people in the audience, waiting to be applauded or praised for their success.
As Christian athletes, we are asked that in everything we do, we do it for the Lord. Society looks to pastors and missionaries as those who work for the Lord, dedicating their lives to the teaching of the Bible and spreading the Gospel. I believe that any place you seek to glorify God in life can become your mission.
Athletes have a unique platform standing before people of all races, backgrounds, economic statuses and belief systems. If we practice, perform and compete with the purpose of pleasing God, our audience of one, our mindset completely shifts. We no longer pursue the temporary applause and approval of society, but rather the eternal glory of our God. This mindset takes the focus off ourselves and places all the praise in the hands of the one who gifted us with the ability, opportunity, and mission bigger than the individual.
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