For the Glory

What does it mean for us to play “for the Glory of God?” As our school’s athletic motto, I’ve reflected on this quite a bit. Athletes from high school, college, and the pros all repeat the phrase or something like it, “I play the game for God’s glory.” What does it mean? Perhaps “For the Glory” is simply a motto which helps us as athletes to know that God has given us abilities and talents and that we are merely using what He has given to us. When folks look at our athletic accomplishments, we want them to praise God, not us. This certainly helps us to better understand what this phrase means, but there is more. 

If we are going to play “for the glory of God,” it is important to understand the glory of God. One of the best persons to ask about the glory of God is Moses. In Exodus 33 and 34, we learn that Moses asked to see the glory of God and God said O-KAY! He gave Moses the place (a rock) and the time (the next morning) to see His glory. God showed up, and Moses bowed down! The interesting part of it is that God displayed His glory to Moses not with a performance, but with character; not with an action, but with a truth; not with a miracle, but with a definition of His name:

"And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming,
 "The Lord, the lord, the compassionate and gracious God,
slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining
love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin."

Exodus 34:6-7

So here’s the point: If we play for the glory of God, then we should be reflecting His name in the way we play. The number of times we score a touchdown or make a basket is less glorifying than the character of the person who scores. The fact that I can shoot a three-pointer does not please God; rather, it’s the fact that I love God as best I know how, serve my team, and can make a three-pointer that pleases Him. Do I make a tackle with a crushing blow then graciously help the opponent up? Am I rich in faithful love to my teammates, to the other team, and (dare I say) even the officials during the game? Do I let the referees handle the cheap shots and walk away, forgiving wrongdoing, or do I retaliate with vengeance? 

The twelve disciples can tell us about the glory of God. They saw the incarnate glory of God in the person of Jesus. They saw Jesus forgive the woman caught in adultery. They witnessed the miracle of the three fish and five loaves which fed thousands. They watched the fury of a jealous God protect the holiness of the temple as Jesus drove out the money changers. And God still reveals His glory today. I remember when the coaching staff of Grapevine Faith offered our football team leftovers from the concessions grill following our game. I thought,  “Now that’s the glory of God.” 

When we say that we play “for the Glory,” we are saying more than just acknowledging that God gave us talents and abilities or that we put Him first. Many professional athletes such as Josh Hamilton (Texas Rangers), DeMarcus Ware (Dallas Cowboys), and Joe Gibbs (Washington Redskins), along with big name celebrities, assign themselves to the slogan, “I am Second.” (Check out the website www.iamsecond.com.) Does “I am Second” reflect the idea of “For the Glory?” The answer is partly yes, and partly no. Hopefully, we are communicating a desire to reflect the very name of God in who we are and by the way we play. That heart attitude goes a step beyond merely acknowledging God's position at the helm.

There's an old saying that goes something like this: “It’s not important whether you win or lose, but how you play the game.” Perhaps God puts it like this: “It’s not important to me who wins or loses, but who represents my name.” When we play with this in mind, we are playing “for the glory.”    

“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do,
do everything for God’s glory.” 

1 Corinthians 10:31

Feel free to email your own thoughts on “For the Glory” to Coach Reed.