CHASING GLORY: PART 1

WELCOME

“…everyone who bears my name and is created for my glory. I have formed them; indeed, I have made them.” – Isaiah 43:7

When you win a game, achieve an athletic goal, shine in a performance, or break a record, your natural response as a competitor is to want the credit and whatever reward is attached to that success. Another way you might describe it is “glory,” which can come in the form of recognition, renown, prestige, fame, or honor.

There’s nothing inherently wrong in desiring good outcomes from your hard work. But if that’s your number one goal as a competitor, it will never be as fulfilling as you hope it might be. You’ll always be tempted to chase your own glory if you don’t understand your true identity and purpose.

WORKOUT

In His Image

The miraculous story of Creation can be found in the first two chapters of Genesis. But God wanted more than to admire the beauty of His workmanship. Something was missing. On the sixth day, God created man and woman so He could enjoy fellowship with someone like Him. And He didn’t hold back in His design.

Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness.” – Genesis 1:26a

In a time when physical appearance is such a dominant part of culture, it’s incredible to know that every person born (including you) was created in God’s image because of His great love for humankind.

• How much do you think about your outward image as a competitor or elsewhere in your daily life?
• How does knowing you’re made in God’s image impact how you view yourself and how much thought you should put into how others view you?

For His Glory

When God created Adam and Eve, He also gave them a purpose for their existence. Beyond a personal relationship, they were made to populate the earth and steward its resources. Ultimately, God created people to bring Him glory.

Like Adam and Eve, you, too, were created in God’s image. And just like them, you were created for a great purpose. As Isaiah 43:7 says, you were created for His glory.

That means God made you as a testament to His greatness, creativity, power, sovereignty, and perfection. In other words, God created you to reflect the essence of His glorious nature and being, which is infinitely greater than any purpose you could desire.

• What do you think are some of your primary purposes in life?
• How might embracing the truth that you are created for God’s glory change the way you approach competition?

WRAP-UP

If you’re struggling with the concepts of identity (knowing who you are) and purpose (knowing why you are here), you need to remember that you are:

• Created In His Image: You are who God meant you to be. His perfect love was behind every part of your unique design.
  • So God created man in his own image; He created him in the image of God; He created them male and female. – Genesis 1:27
• Created For His Glory: You were made for a purpose. The most important reason you exist is to show others who God is through all aspects of your life.
  • Our Lord and God, you are worthy to receive glory and honor and power because you have created all things, and by your will, they exist and were created. – Revelation 4:11

As you better understand your God-given identity and purpose, you will start to move from chasing your glory to reflecting His glory.

Key Action

In your huddle or alone time, reflect on how questions about your identity and purpose have driven you as a competitor. Be prepared to hear from the Holy Spirit as God’s great love and divine purpose for you are made clear.