Pursuing Unseen Excellence Through Sports and Faith

After graduating from Dalat, I was blessed with the opportunity to continue my studies as a student-athlete at Redeemer University in Ontario, Canada. Playing soccer at a Christian university allowed me to see the world of sports from a broader perspective.

One thing I have learned on my journey is to seek God and find the bigger picture of what He wants to do with our talents. I recently asked myself, how can I serve through soccer? How can I show the goodness of God through what I am doing on the field? I found my answer in 2 Corinthians 4:18. It says, “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” All athletes hunt down “that win”, statistics, and records.

However, as much as the game of sports is meant for competition, it is also a chance for harmony. Why not help an opponent up when they fall? Why not stop a fight rather than watch from the sideline? As athletes we are taught to strive for good sportsmanship; however, as Christians, what is even more important is expressing the love of Jesus.

Pursuing what is “unseen” is learning how to win and lose gracefully; it is playing graciously and honoring teammates and opponents in the things we say and the way we play the game.

The Redeemer University athletic director recently reminded athletes that our motto is #verticalpurpose. Rather than being bound to the world’s standards of excellence in sports, we must switch our perspectives to looking up. One of the greatest lessons I have learned is that instead of chasing statistics and awards, I need to set a goal to pursue “unseen” excellence.