Kirk Cousins, quarterback for Michigan State University, shares faith
As Spring Arbor University (SAU) students, we are surrounded by other Christians. Most of the athletes on campus are Christians who live out their faith for the rest of campus to see.
On the campus of Michigan State University (MSU), it’s different. But Kirk Cousins, the quarterback for the Spartan football team, spoke in front of an auditorium full of students about his faith, wondering if the students agreed with him.
The event was given by Cru, a shortened version of the name Campus Crusade for Christ. They partnered with Cousins for this event. Cru has about 500 members on a campus that is home to 47,800 students.
Most people don’t realize how powerful athletes really are. We see them play on the field almost every day, depending on which sport you favor. If you’re a Michigan State fan, then you see Cousins perform every Saturday during football season.
At SAU, we attend chapel and worship side by side with other Christians, some of whom are athletes. It’s not like that at MSU. They don’t have a required chapel and don’t know who else on campus is a Christian unless they are part of clubs like Cru.
I don’t know all of what Cousins said in front of his audience and I wish I could have been there. Deep down in my heart, I know I agree with Kirk. And most of you do, too.
He is more than just some quarterback who plays football for a Big Ten school on Saturdays. He is a Christian like you and me. We can all find faith in Jesus Christ together.
He chose to use his power as an athlete, one that is recognized on campus, as a way to spread the Word of God. I think that’s the best way to use that power.
I don’t think I would have the guts to get up in front of the crowd that Cousins did and share my faith story. It’s difficult enough to share that story with the people closest to me because I don’t want to be vulnerable.
Cousins made himself vulnerable and shared why he chose Christianity. He said, “I’ve built my life on Jesus, and it’s been the best decision I’ve ever made.”
Building your life on Jesus was the best decision you ever made. Now I’m going to take a page out of Cousins’ book and share my story, no matter how personal it is. And you can, too.
[WRITER’S NOTE: ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN THE NOVEMBER 2011 EDITION OF “THE PULSE”]