Quote

People consider me a success because I’m a good football player and make lots of money. But if my heart’s not right, if I’m not living a life pleasing to God, I’m a failure.

Reggie White

Real Life

At 12 years old, Reggie White declared that he wanted to be two things; a football player and a minister. He went on to achieve both those goals.

White played 15 years in the NFL, eight seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, and six with the Green Bay Packers. He has been described as “one of the most dominant defensive linemen in history”. The stats for his tackles and sacks (tackling the quarterback before he passes) are impressive and at times record breaking. While White’s football skills were renown as legendary, his integrity as a man of faith was also widely known and respected. One of his team mates, Don Beebe, described him as “the most revered athlete I’ve ever been around”.

White was an associate pastor at an inner-city church throughout his playing career and was open about his faith with his team, his fans and the media. He chose to let his faith shine in every environment he was in, whether in the pulpit or in the locker room, not forcing his beliefs on anyone, but not ashamed of them either. God always came first for him which meant he could bring focus and intensity to his football without letting it rule his life.

The bible says that when we set our minds on the things of the Spirit rather than the things of this world, it brings us life and peace (Romans 8:6). Putting God ahead of our sport doesn’t minimise our sport, it enables it to be all God intends it to be, in its purest form.

Bible Verses

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit… to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.

Romans 8:5-6

Prayer

Thank You Lord for the gift of sport. Please help me to honour You with my attitude towards my sport, never hiding my faith or compromising it, instead, letting You shine through all that I do.

Author: Sarah Auld   |   Content Editor: Phil Pawley