Spiritual Formation | 4/6/2026 1:47:00 PM

Written by: Brandon Braumuller

We live in a society that is hyper-focused on individualism and the pursuit of achieving, by any means necessary, this sort of "self-actualization." We are told that at the end of this process, we will be happy and live a fulfilling life. Yet, we find ourselves living in one of the most depressed, anxious, and despondent generations of all time. Many in our society are going through an identity crisis, and student-athletes are not immune to it.  

As a former student-athlete at Lipscomb, I fully understand the dedication necessary to reach the Division I level, not to mention the effort exhausted to continue to improve upon entering the college ranks. The countless hours of unseen work and the sacrifices made to ensure the optimization of your performance can quickly turn your sport into an unhealthy obsession. Additionally, student-athletes are voluntarily placed on a metaphorical pedestal, which can result in being treated differently than non-athletes (e.g. increased social attention). Unfortunately, many athletes buy-in to this random social construct and begin to solidify their identities further into their respective sport. Before you know it, the direction of your mood, appetite, and personal/familial relationships become dependent on the success of your practices and games, the amount of playing time, and even the health of your social life. Subtly, one begins to fall in line with the rest of the world; aimlessly looking to fulfill one's need for eternal glory with temporal successes.

Our need for eternal glory starts at the very beginning; Genesis 1:27 tells us "So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them." Being uniquely created in the image of the unseen God of the Universe implies divine purpose and worth. To understand this purpose, you must submit to His call on your life and be obedient to His Spirit. The sport you play can absolutely play a major role within that, but without understanding its role within your Heavenly purpose, it will only deter you from true greatness and leave you empty.

Paul expands on this idea in Romans 8:22-23 when he says "We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies." Everything in this world is temporary, yet innately, we can't quite understand that. Inwardly, we long for something eternal. May I submit to you that what we long for is found only in the presence of God, when we buy into the truth of His word, and when we are living within His will for our lives.

Lastly, look to the Cross. Meditate on what God has done for you and allow that to guide your identity. The King of the World made you in His image, took human form, paid a price that you could never pay, and died for you while you were yet a sinner…all so you could be called a child of God. "See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God… (1 John 3:1). You are loved more than you could ever imagine or comprehend, regardless of how grand or numerous your successes and/or failures may be. God has a plan for you. Never let anything of the world take precedence over that, not even the sport you love.

If there is one thing I can encourage you with it's this… allow Jesus Christ to be your why and you'll experience freedom that only the Cross can provide.
Questions to Ponder:

1. In what ways has your identity been stolen by your drive to succeed as a student-athlete?
2. Do you believe it is possible to be successful at your sport while having your identity rooted in the Lord? Why or why not?
3. How has society's definition of success and pursuit of individualism impacted the way you see the world and how you live your life?