Greater Glory

WELCOME

“When he had gone out, Jesus said, ‘Now the Son of Man is glorified, and God is glorified in Him.’” — John 13:31

There are moments when you receive praise and applause—and that can feel good. But your greater purpose reminds you that the glory goes first and foremost to God—and that’s always the best strategy.

WARM-UP

INWARD GLORY

As an athlete, there is a natural desire to be told good things while training, in practice, and of course, during and after competition. In those moments, a decision is made about how to process and dispense that inward glory.

Q: Which of the following do you give credit to when you get praise for your athletic performance: you, your family, your team, your school, your hometown, God, or something or someone else?

Q: How does your desire to hear good things from others impact your performance?

WORKOUT

OUTWARD GLORY

It’s a common scene at most collegiate or professional athletic events and is becoming increasingly common in sports everywhere. Athletes are always setting the bar—and it’s pretty high.

When a great athletic feat or accomplishment is made, the accolades roll in—the high fives, the roaring of the crowds, the announcer booming through the speakers. It’s easy to live for praise.

And, of course, how you respond to praise and whom you credit for your success says a lot about who you are after the competition.

In all of those moments, a choice has to be made. That choice is not usually made on the spot but rather in private when an athlete is either thinking about themselves or spending time with God.

Q: What do you usually do when you have a moment to celebrate something good that you or your teammates have done during competition?

Q: How often do you think about giving God the glory for your accomplishments?

UPWARD GLORY

Jesus was sent to Earth for the greatest purpose ever—to live a perfect life, die for our sins, defeat death and leave us with the greater promise of eternal life. Another part of His purpose was to bring glory to God through His teachings, compassion, and miraculous works.

If anyone had a right to take the glory for Himself, it was Jesus. He always said the right things. He never did anything wrong. He loved everyone. He was perfect.

In John 13:1–20, Jesus lowered Himself to wash the disciples’ feet—something a servant would do, not something you would expect from the Son of God. Jesus’ ultimate glory to God came through in His death, burial, and resurrection, which was God’s plan for His life:

“I have glorified you on the earth by completing the work you gave me to do.” — John 17:4

While Jesus was glorified upon His resurrection, He was glorified to bring greater glory to God. In the same way, when we receive glory for things we have done through Jesus, we are to point people to God and pass all of the glory along to Him.

“Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it so that Father may be glorified in the Son.” — John 14:13

Q: How can you glorify God through your athletic career?

Q: In what ways can you glorify God in other areas of your life?

WRAP-UP

GREATER GLORY

Understanding your greater purpose reminds you that the glory goes first and foremost to God. Here are three ways that we can express a greater glory in all areas of our lives:

1. Glorified life. God didn’t just create us, but He also sent Jesus to die for us. Using our mind, body and soul should always bring greater glory to Him.

“For you were bought at a price. So glorify God with your body.” — 1 Corinthians 6:20

2. Glorified works. That means everything we do in competition, at work, at school, in our relationships, in our free time, and for others should glorify God.

“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.” — 1 Corinthians 10:31

3. Glorified future. When we glorify God today, it’s just a taste of what our eternal lives will be like in Heaven one day.

“For from him and through him and to him are all things.

To him be the glory forever. Amen.” — Romans 11:36

OVERTIME

Take some time during the Huddle or in your devotional time to say this prayer:

“Dear Lord, thank You for blessing me with athletic gifts and competitive success. Help me to always give You the glory first and to recognize that everything I do is first and foremost for You. Amen.”