These truths are not dependent on your performance. They are truths declared about you by your Creator. Read them slowly. Sit with the verses. Pray for the Spirit to help you apply each one — to claim it as part of your identity.
We have been investigating the idea that our story helps shape our identity (see the feature article). This exercise gives you an opportunity to explore how God speaks into that journey.
Before working through this exercise, complete the parallel worksheet My Journey Through Play and Sport, which walks the same stages focusing only on your life in sport.
You can work through the stages in any order, but you may find it useful to follow your life journey — from a child attracted to play, progressing toward serious sport, training and competition.
My childhood and the attraction of play
- I am an adopted child of God. Romans 8:16, Galatians 4:5, Ephesians 1:5
- I have been created for good works. Ephesians 2:10, Psalm 37:23
- I am protected. Psalm 32:7
My journey from play to sport
- I am accepted and worthy. Romans 15:7, Psalm 139
- God will be faithful to me. Philippians 1:6; 2:13, 2 Thessalonians 3:3
Sport influences and influencers in my life
- I need good examples to follow. Romans 12:2, 1 Corinthians 1:11, Philippians 3:17
- I need to learn from others and pass on to others. 2 Timothy 1:13–14; 2:2
My being known as an "athlete"
- I am adequate. 2 Corinthians 3:5–6, Philippians 4:13
- I am free from fear. Psalm 34:4, 2 Timothy 1:7
My appearance as an "athlete"
- I am seen as perfect. Hebrews 10:14, Colossians 2:13, 1 Samuel 16:7, 1 Timothy 4:8, 1 Corinthians 9:27
My growing competence as an "athlete"
- I have boldness and confidence. Proverbs 3:26; 14:26, Hebrews 10:19
- I have been chosen and set apart. 1 Corinthians 1:30; 6:11, Ephesians 1:4
- I lack nothing. Philippians 4:19
- I have strength. Daniel 11:32, Psalm 37:39
The relationships in my sporting world
- I am never alone. Hebrews 13:5, Romans 8:38–39
The growing importance or exclusivity of sport in my life
- I have wisdom. Proverbs 2:6–7, 1 Corinthians 1:30, Matthew 6:24, Deuteronomy 6:5
My commitment to sport
- 2 Timothy 4:7, Proverbs 16:3, 1 Kings 8:61, 2 Timothy 2:15, Luke 9:6
The positive effect of sport in my life
- James 1:17, 1 Peter 4:10
The negative effect of sport in my life
- I am perfectly loved. John 15:9, Romans 8:38–39, Ephesians 2:4–5; 5:1
- I am totally forgiven. Psalm 103:12, Ephesians 1:7, Hebrews 10:7
- I have hope. Romans 15:13, Psalm 16:11; 27:13
- I have eternal security. 1 John 5:11–13, John 10:27–30
- I am blameless. John 3:18, Romans 8:1
My future sport goals and dreams
- I will be with Christ in heaven. Ephesians 2:5, Colossians 2:15
- I am an eternal inheritance. Romans 8:16–17, Ephesians 1:11, 14, 18
- I have been raised with Christ. Romans 6:4–8, Galatians 2:20, Colossians 2:12
- I have the mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:16, 2 Timothy 1:7
Other truths God declares about me
- I am indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:8, Ephesians 1:19, 1 Corinthians 12:13
- I have all the faith I need. Romans 12:3
- I am victorious. Romans 8:37, 2 Corinthians 2:14
- I am free. Psalm 32:7, 2 Corinthians 3:17
- I have comfort. John 15:6; 16:7, 2 Corinthians 1:3–4
- I have been declared righteous. Romans 3:24, 1 Corinthians 1:30; 6:11
- I have direct access to God. Ephesians 2:6, 1 Peter 2:5, 9
- I am a new creation. 2 Corinthians 5:17
- I have authority over Satan. Colossians 1:13, 1 John 4:4
- I am dead to sin. Romans 6:11
- I am dead to the law. Romans 6:14; 7:4–6
- I have spiritual gifts for His service. Romans 12:6–8, 1 Corinthians 12:4–11, Ephesians 4:11
Keep exploring
- Return to Exploring My Identity.
- Return to My Journey Through Play and Sport.
- Return to the feature article.
Dave writes on faith, sport and identity for Athletes in Action.
