Sports figures often thrust themselves into the public spotlight. Sometimes they create immense controversy in the process. Colin Kaepernick, quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, did that by refusing to stand during the National Anthem. Sports celebrities can make for poor role models in this day and time, but it’s important for us to remember that many great sports role models are still making a difference in our country.
“Albert Pujols, the former first baseman for the St. Louis Cardinals, is a World Series champ, a ten-time All Star, and the recipient of three National League MVP awards. But even more impressive is his life off the field. The Pujols Family Foundation he started offers support and care to people with Down syndrome and their families, while also helping the poor in the Dominican Republic. He and his wife of 16 years provide a loving household for five children. But most importantly, he is a passionate disciple of Christ.”
“While speaking at an event at Lafayette Senior High School in Missouri, Pujols told the audience of men and young boys, ‘As a Christian, I am called to live a holy life. My standard for living is set by God, not by the world. I am responsible for growing and sharing the gospel.’ Then, after reading Paul’s words in Philippians 2:3—‘Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves’—Pujols told the crowd, ‘One way for me to stay satisfied in Jesus is for me to stay humble. Humility is getting on your knees and staying in God’s will—what He wants for me, not what the world wants.’ He added: ‘It would be easy to go out and do whatever I want, but those things only satisfy the flesh for a moment. Jesus satisfies my soul forever.’”
Albert Pujols has made his priority clear, “In the Pujols family, God is first. Everything else is a distant second. My life’s goal is to bring glory to Jesus. My life is not mostly dedicated to the Lord, it is 100% committed to Jesus Christ and His will. God has given me the ability to succeed in the game of baseball. But baseball is not the end; baseball is the means by which my wife, Dee Dee, and I glorify God. Baseball is simply my platform to elevate Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior.”
On his foundation website Pujols writes, “Over the last decade my life has radically changed. I went from being a kid with a dream in the Dominican Republic, to playing professional baseball, Rookie of the Year, three National League MVPs, and winning two Gold Gloves and two World Championships! What has not changed is my love for Jesus Christ. In the spring of 1998, my soon to be wife, Deidre, began sharing with me the love of Jesus. My most exciting moment came when I asked Jesus Christ to come into my life. If it weren’t for Jesus, I would not be where I am today and my life would be without purpose.”
“I’ve heard kids say they want to be just like me when they grow up. They should know I want to be just like Jesus.” Amen! Amen! Amen!
By the way, in 2007, Albert Pujols became a U.S. citizen, scoring a perfect 100 on his citizenship test.
Doesn’t that make you just want to stand up and shout, “Hallelujah!”? It does me. There are still heroes out there. There are still ambassadors of Christ representing the King of Kings. The truth is, you are probably someone’s hero or heroine as the case may be. Remember what Jesus said,“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 (NASB95). Let it shine! Let it shine! Let it shine!
Brother Shep