Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors captured their first NBA title since 1975 last night in a 105-97 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. Curry and Andre Iguodala, the Finals’ MVP who called the Warriors a “team of believers” in post-game interviews, teamed up for 50 points, while the Cavs’ LeBron James added 32.
Even after the greatest achievement in basketball, Curry knows there’s a much bigger prize in life, long after the buzzer sounds.
In 2013, Curry talked to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for the March issue of its bi-monthly magazine, writing that his faith identifies him more than his jersey.
“Congratulations to Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors on an incredible season and an amazing playoff run—and to LeBron James and the Cavaliers for a stellar season as well,” said FCA President and CEO Les Steckel. “We are so elated for Steph and his commitment to his team, his fans, his family and his Savior. Steph gave God all the glory last night. He is a wonderful role model to young athletes, who we hope will learn that when God is in charge of their life, they’re always undefeated because God never loses.”
Curry told FCA about the moment he began living for Jesus—and never looked back: “I remember it like it was yesterday, the day I gave my life to Christ. I was in fourth grade, and I recall hearing and understanding the gospel of Jesus Christ and walking down the aisle to give my life to Him. My parents continued to pour into my faith from that point on, making sure I understood the commitment I’d just made.”
And of his journey to the NBA, he said, “I knew the Lord was preparing me for a bigger stage to represent and be a witness for Him on the basketball court. I remembered my mom telling me from day one at Davidson (College) that God puts His people in different areas of life so that they can reach more people for Him. I tried to use that time for His glory.
“God’s given me talents to play basketball for a living, but I still have to work hard to improve every day. I know that in the grand scheme of things, this is just a game that can be taken from me at any moment. But I love that basketball gives me the opportunities to do good things for people and to point them towards the Man who died for our sins on the cross. I know I have a place in heaven waiting for me because of Him, and that’s something no earthly prize or trophy could ever top.
“There’s more to me than just this jersey I wear, and that’s Christ living inside of me.”
Steckel added that FCA’s mission is to reach coaches and athletes for Christ—one heart at a time.
“Whether youth, junior school, high school, college or professional, athletes have a platform like few others to share their faith,” Steckel added. “We are thrilled that Steph is using the platform he has been given not for his own glory but for the glory of God.”
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