Compete for Something More

Adam was the quarterback for his high school football team. When asked, “What is your dream?” Adam responded with, “I want to be the starting quarterback and win a state championship.” Adam’s sophomore and junior year, his team went on to win two state championships, but he was not the starter. Half of his dream had come true. Senior year came and so did the second half of his dream. He started all year and took his team to the championship game; a third ring was added. However, in the locker room while everyone was cheering, Adam’s head hung low. He had accomplished his dream, so why was he so sad?

Everyone told him to go for his dreams, but no one ever prepared him for life after his dream was over. Adam realized too late that there was something larger to compete for, that life continues past the scoreboard.

We all need a mindset that renews our outlook on athletics. When we have a renewed outlook on how we play, coach, interact and compete, we realize that we compete for something more than wins; life is about more than championships. God has a deeper purpose for our sport and our competitive nature that lets us compete for something more. But what is this more?

There is a famous battle that took place in history: David vs Goliath. Most of us know this battle well. David beats Goliath and becomes the victor. But there is a part to the story most forget, the reason why David fought in the first place. When we turn to Scripture, we see in 1 Samuel 17:25 that, “The king will make the man who kills him very rich and will give him his daughter. The king will also make the family of that man’s father exempt from paying taxes in Israel.” Whoever defeated Goliath would win the ultimate championship: riches, a wife and a free home. But David doesn’t go into battle for what he would get from it, but for what God would get from it.

When we see David’s words before battle, he is not speaking of all that will come from his victory; instead, we see him pursuing a victory for God:

“’What will be done for the man who kills that Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Just who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?’... ‘The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.’” –1 Samuel 17:26,37

David had a mindset that the battle was not about himself or the win, but all about God. David knew there was life beyond the battle.

God’s deeper purpose in all seasons of competition is to glorify Him.

So how do we glorify God and compete for something bigger?
 

Give It to God

Before any practice, game or workout, give it all to God. When you give it to Him, that means you recognize that every success, accomplishment and victory is from Him. Since it comes from His hands, it’s in His hands, and you can give Him all the glory. That is what it looks like to compete with a deeper purpose.

“Not to us, Lord, not to us, but to Your name give glory because of Your faithful love, because of Your truth.” –Psalm 115:1

Take Your Eyes Off the Scoreboard

Whether you are playing or coaching, checking the score and time is important and vital; however, it is not the only important thing to look at. God desires for you to glorify Him and love others. When you take your eyes off the scoreboard and begin looking toward those around you, you will begin to see how your teammates could use prayer, support, encouragement, or even Gospel conversations. You can have the highest score, but if you don’t love your teammates well, you will miss the deeper purpose.

“If I speak human or angelic tongues but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith so that I can move mountains but do not have love, I am nothing.” –1 Corinthians 13:1-2

Success Isn't Defined By Wins

Success is more than wins. Times of injury, setbacks and discouragement can be opportunities for you to grow and see God at work in your life and your team. Success is defined not by if you win, but if you grow. Moments of trials and hardships can grow you into a better teammate, athlete, friend and disciple of Christ if you allow them to. Having a mindset where success isn’t defined by a win will allow you to compete freely and purposefully.

When we have a renewed outlook that focuses on God instead of the X’s and O’s and wins and losses, we begin to compete for something more. Championship winning Adam may have learned this too late, but we are learning right on time. True and meaningful life exists beyond the scoreboard. 

LIVE IT OUT

Theme Verse: “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” - Romans 15:13

Quarter Verse: “… and to know Christ’s love that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” –Ephesians 3:19

Question: How can you serve and love your teammates well?

Challenge: When you run into a challenge, try to see it as a way of refinement and look for God to show up in it.

CTA: Replenishment gives us a renewed outlook on how we play, coach, interact and compete. It’s not so much about the X’s and O’s and wins and losses, for a deeper level of competition that brings glory and attention to God. Learn more through FCA’s E3 Discipleship Course: E3

*If you read this article and aren’t in relationship with Christ yet but would like to know more, we invite you to go through FCA’s The FOUR that explains how an everlasting and fulfilling life with God is possible.