The Power of Quitting

Dallas Casciani

As an athlete, you learn a lot about the sport you are playing, how to work as a team, and how practice makes perfect. However, one of the main things that any athlete should learn first is that you should never quit. When times are hard, or not going the way you want them to, the last thing you want to do is to throw up your hands and give up entirely. What if I told you that you should quit sometimes? I know that sounds like hearsay but stay with me. When I say you should quit, I’m not talking about quitting a sport, team, or anything in particular. No, I’m talking about quitting three things that will not only help you as a player but also bring you closer to Christ.

First, quit thinking highly of yourself. Putting yourself on a pedestal or giving yourself any more special treatment than others is an easy way to fall back into yourself. As Romans 12:3 puts it, “For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment.” In other words, don't think more of yourself; think about yourself less. Start looking out for others and put their feelings and needs before yours. This is key to being a good teammate and acting in a Christ-like manner. Doing what you need to do to fulfill your role, whether that is on the field or with loved ones, is a surefire way to set yourself up for success.

When you think less of yourself and more of others, you begin to see the world through a different lens. You start to notice the struggles and triumphs of those around you, and you become more empathetic and compassionate. This shift in perspective not only makes you a better teammate but also a better person. It aligns you with the teachings of Christ, who always put others before Himself. By quitting the habit of self-importance, you open yourself up to a life of service and humility, which are the true marks of greatness.

Moreover, thinking less of yourself doesn't mean undervaluing your abilities or contributions. It means recognizing that your worth is not solely defined by your achievements or status. It’s about understanding that everyone has unique strengths and weaknesses, and that true leadership and greatness come from lifting others up. This mindset fosters a supportive and cohesive team environment where everyone feels valued and motivated to contribute their best.

Second, quit working to please men’s opinions. You will never make everyone happy and fulfill what everyone says you should do. Taking in their opinions and holding them up to your vision is something that you should do to see if it is actually worth looking into. Otherwise, cast it out, for it will only distract you more from what you need to do. As stated in Galatians 1:10, “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” If you let others' opinions of what you are doing get in the way of what you need to do, you will not only fail as a teammate but will also fail as a servant of Christ. Understand what you need to do while not completely closing off to outside advice. However, this advice should not change the vision you have set out for yourself but only help to refine it.

Living to please others is a never-ending cycle of dissatisfaction. No matter how hard you try, there will always be someone who disapproves or criticizes. This constant need for validation can drain your energy and divert your focus from what truly matters. Instead, seek to please God, whose approval is unwavering and whose guidance is perfect. By aligning your actions with His will, you find a sense of purpose and direction that is not swayed by the ever-changing opinions of people. This steadfastness will not only make you a stronger athlete but also a more grounded individual.

Additionally, when you focus on pleasing God rather than people, you develop a stronger sense of self and integrity. You become more confident in your decisions and actions because they are rooted in a higher purpose. This confidence is contagious and can inspire those around you to also seek a deeper, more meaningful path. It creates an environment where authenticity and sincerity are valued over superficial approval, leading to more genuine and lasting relationships both on and off the field.

Lastly, quit looking towards things that are not the Lord. The devil wants us to take our eyes off the Lord in almost everything we do. He will give us distractions that will only take away from the team and from being a servant for the Lord. As stated in Colossians 3:2, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things,” and in 1 Corinthians 15:10, “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.” Placing your mind on things that are not earthly, something bigger than yourself, is key to being a Christian athlete. Not placing your value on whether you win or lose, or how well you did during a game or event, but on how you showcased God’s strength and love to others.

In a world filled with distractions, it is easy to lose sight of what is truly important. The pursuit of material success, social status, and personal glory can lead us away from our spiritual path. By focusing on the Lord and His teachings, we anchor ourselves in a source of strength and wisdom that transcends worldly concerns. This spiritual focus not only enhances our performance as athletes but also enriches our lives with a deeper sense of meaning and fulfillment. When we prioritize our relationship with God, we find that everything else falls into place.

Furthermore, keeping your focus on the Lord helps you maintain a sense of peace and balance amidst the chaos of competition and daily life. It reminds you that your ultimate goal is not just to win games but to live a life that honors God. This perspective can transform the way you approach challenges and setbacks, viewing them not as failures but as opportunities to grow in faith and character. It encourages you to rely on God's strength rather than your own, fostering a sense of humility and gratitude.

Ultimately, the power of quitting lies not in abandoning your commitments but in letting go of the things that hinder your growth and spiritual journey. By quitting the habits of self-importance, people-pleasing, and worldly distractions, you open yourself up to a life of humility, purpose, and divine connection. These principles not only make you a better athlete but also a better person, aligned with the teachings of Christ. Embrace the power of quitting, and you will find that it leads to a more fulfilling and spiritually enriched life.

Quitting these detrimental habits allows you to focus on what truly matters: your relationship with God, your personal growth, and your ability to positively impact those around you. It’s about making conscious choices that align with your values and faith, and understanding that true success is measured not by worldly standards but by the depth of your character and the strength of your faith. So, take a step back, evaluate what you need to quit, and embrace the freedom and growth that comes with it. Your journey as an athlete and as a follower of Christ will be all the richer for it.