C.J. Mahaney of Sovereign Grace Ministries points out that “too many pro athletes who profess Christ appear theologically ignorant, have little or no involvement in the local church, and have no pastoral oversight in their lives.” As for former Washington Redskins wide receiver Art Monk, who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame Sunday, Mahaney calls him an exception: “Monk’s [acceptance] speech appears to be the fruit of good pastoring. If more professional athletes participated in churches where sound doctrine was taught, there might be more examples like Art Monk and [fellow Redskin and HOF inductee] Darrell Green. … The quiet sports star stepped in front of thousands of fans and used the moment, not for self-congratulation, but to glorify God.”

Here’s an excerpt from Monk’s acceptance speech:

“[E]ven now as a Hall of Famer, the one thing I want to make very clear is that my identity and my security is found in the Lord. And what defines me and my validation comes in having accepted his son Jesus Christ as my personal savior. And what defines me is the Word of God, and it’s the Word of God that will continue to shape and mold me into the person that I know he’s called me to be.

“So I’ve learned a long time ago never to put my faith or trust in man, for man will always fail you. Man will always disappoint you. But the Word of God says that Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. And He will never fail you.

“And that is what I live by and what I stand on. …

“There’s a scripture that I think about almost every day and I’ve come to personalize it to my life. It says: ‘Lord, who am I that you are mindful of me?’ [Psalm 8:4]. And the Apostle Paul says, ‘Think of what you were when you were called. Not many were wise by human standards. Not many were influential. Not many were born of noble birth’ [1 Corinthians 1:26]. And when I look at my life and how I grew up, I certainly had none of those qualities or benefits.

“But I understand and I know that I’m here not by, in, and of my own strength—but it’s by the grace and the power of God upon my life, who I know gave me favor along the way, and who provided opportunity and room for me to use my gifts.

“So I am very grateful to receive this honor, and I can stand here before you and say, ‘Hey, look at me, look at what I did.’ But if I’m going to boast, I’m going to boast today in the Lord, for it’s because of him that I’m here and I give him thanks and glory and honor for all that he has done for me.”

Prior to giving this speech, James Monk Jr. offered these words in introducing his father:

“[A]s his son, there’s always been this question I could never escape, that I could never avoid, that I could never get away from and that was: Do you want to be like Art when you grow up? … [M]y answer is I’d rather be like Dad. Dad, thank you for being the man of God that God has called you to be, and for raising me in the same way. As your best friend, as your admirer, as your biggest fan and as your son, I want to tell the whole world that I love you and I’m truly honored and blessed to induct you into the 2008 Pro Football Hall of Fame.”

ADDENDUM (Aug. 8): Rick Phillips at Reformation21 Blog adds:

“I want to give Darrell Green credit too. I particularly loved the line at the very end of his speech: “This day is a part of the continuation of God’s sovereign purpose and righteous destiny for my life, and that being knowing Jesus, loving Him, and making Him known.” Darrell’s speech was not as articulate as Art Monk’s, but that’s still good stuff. And how great was it to see both of these Christian athletes introduced by their grown sons, who handled themselves with composure and grace while they gave glory to God for their fathers.”

Phillips also recognized the godly mentoring of Green and Monk’s coach, Joe Gibbs.