Be more than just professional athletes. To inspire people and proclaim to the world. The world needs Christ. Sports have an amazing ability to attract many people and make them enjoy the show. But, for ultimately, what reason? It is easy to idolize sports for fame and money, which will soon be gone.
Having tattoos is one way to show not to be ashamed of being a follower of Christ and share the gospel to the world.
NBA: Stephen Curry (1 Corinthians 13:8, John 3:30)
Both of these Bible verses he has written in Hebrew words. On his wrist, it is written, “Love never fails.” It is not just symbolizing his loyal love to his family but the steadfast covenant-keeping love that God has for us.
On the Biceps, it says, “He must become greater; I must become less.” This verse shows curry’s humility after becoming one of the greatest basketball players in the world and how great our Lord Jesus Christ is.
NBA: Kevin Durant (James 1:2-4, Proverbs 15:33)
KD has a huge scripture tattoo on his back. James 1:2-4 says, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
Proverbs 15:33 is in the lower right of his stomach. It teaches us that “The fear of the LORD teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor.” The fear of the Lord means to have a great relationship with God, to love Him more than anything, and to obey what he calls us to do.
NBA: Damian Lillard (Psalm 37)
Lillard has Psalm 37 on his left shoulder. It says, “Do not fret because of evildoers Be not envious Towards wrongdoers For they will wither quickly like the grass and fade like the green her Trust in the lord And do good Dwell in the land And he will give you the desire of your heart Commit your way to the lord Trust also in Him, And he will do it He will bring forth your Righteousness As the light as your Judgement in the noon dry.”
MLB: Matt Holliday (Job 38:4)
On his left arm, He has a Bible verse that says, “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell Me if you understand.” Holliday said, “Players often feel the need for approval from other people besides Jesus. For me, the most important and only thing that really matters is Jesus.”
NFL: Raheem Mostert (Psalm 23:4-6)
Mostert said that it is his routine never to forget to thank the Lord every time he steps on the court. God did not create humans because he needed us since he lacks nothing. But he created us for his own glory and to share His love with us. Scripture clearly states that giving thanks to the Lord is the one way to glorify His name. (Phil 4:4-7, James 1:17)
NFL: Derek Carr (Jeremiah 29:11)
Carr puts the Bible verse in his left hand. Carr often posts the verse on social media, and he explains that “I don’t give false claims any due.”
God can take away our lives anytime he wants. We never know when will be our last day to live. Twill soon be past; Only what’s done For Christ will last. As these Christian athletes have tattoos on their bodies, nothing they have will last. Popularity, Instagram followers, money, and even family, nothing lasts forever except things you do that glorify God since He will remember you forever and secure eternal life. John Piper once said, “The way we honor Christ in death is to treasure Jesus above the gift of life, and the way we honor Christ in life is to treasure Jesus above life’s gifts.”
This post was written by Kanta Yamazaki from Master’s University.
