The Christian AthleteSample

Christian Athletes Play for an Audience of One

For the Christian athlete, “Audience of One” is more than just a trendy saying or trending hashtag. Dr. Ed Uszynski describes it as a reminder for Christian athletes that everywhere in life—even in a stadium full of people—“we live and move and have our being in Him,” and it’s his pleasure we should pursue above all else.

This echoes Colossians 3:23, which says, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”

God wants our full focus to be on Him in everything we do. Brushing our teeth? Yes. Cleaning the dishes? Yes. Studying for a test? Yes. Everything. And this includes playing our sport too, where the temptation exists to play for the attention of anyone who will offer it.

Playing for the approval of fans, coaches, parents, teammates, and significant others is a sinful substitute for a God who wants our contentment to come from him alone.

It’s worth noting that the concept of playing for an Audience of One doesn’t mean we perform for God’s attention through our play on the field, but rather, we play as if He is the only one watching us.

The Christian athlete understands that God has uniquely gifted them and attempts to bring an “Audience of One” type mentality to every part of their athletic experience. This does not mean they will always do this perfectly, but they keep trying on a daily basis to leverage their sport in a way that gives them more of God, instead of settling for the fleeting approval of others.

What often gets lost in the conversation about playing for an Audience of One is the reality that God is not distantly watching in the stands, but with us every step of the way as we compete. His Holy Spirit indwells every Christian athlete, which means God’s presence is always more near than we realize.

Christian athlete prayer of the day:

“God, I want to play, train, eat, sleep, and breathe for you. Forgive me for seeking the approval of others through the way I perform. Forgive me for caring more about what others think of me than what you have already declared true about me. Would you remind me of that truth every hour today? Would you please remind me, through your Spirit, that I am loved, valued, accepted, and adopted into your family? You are more than worthy of my full attention. Help me today to make positive strides in doing everything I do for you—my Audience of One. Amen.”