“I’m not the guy who’s going to be trying to bash people over the head with the Bible. I want people to know when they see me play that something is different, that I play for something different, and whether I’m talking about it or not, I just hope by the way I carry myself and by the way I play the game, they can see there’s something different about me.”
Those are the words of Stephen Curry, star point guard for the Golden State Warriors. In an interview with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes magazine, Curry explained how his Christian faith inspires his career as a basketball player.
From the guy who many thought was too small to play basketball at the professional level to becoming the NBA’s most valuable player, Curry has had a difficult journey fueled by hard work and dedication.
When he was in high school Curry was only 6 feet tall and weighed in at a mere 160 lbs., not the typical size of the average basketball star. Curry was raised in Charlotte, North Carolina where he played basketball for Davidson College, a Division I school. He was a standout despite his size and he was selected seventh by Golden State in the 2009 draft.
Before his first game as a freshman at Davidson College, he received a text from his mom. She told him to stay faithful and work hard. She also included her favorite bible verse, Romans 8:28: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” To this day, Curry still writes that Scripture reference, and Philippians 4:13, on his game shoes.
“I’ve always been a believer,” Curry says. “I believe that the Lord puts in us whatever talent and whatever gift He chooses. He wants you to get the most out of that. He wants you to succeed.”
Curry created a huge stir when he broke his deal with Nike to partner with UA in 2015 because he wanted to incorporate his faith into his footwear so he could promote a powerful message instead of just another empty product. Curry is not one to shy away from the controversy of putting Christ in the spotlight.
“It’s not about getting any of the glory for yourself; it’s all for His glory,” Curry said. “That’s where you have to keep perspective. Work at it and do all you can so you get the most out of yourself, but do it for His will.”
