1. Redefine Winning Through God’s Eyes
Start by remembering: winning isn’t wrong. God calls us to run the race to win (1 Corinthians 9:24). He created competition, excellence, and drive. But as a Christian, the goal is not just winning for your own glory, but striving for His.
So ask:
- Did I compete with integrity?
- Did I show respect for my opponent?
- Did I respond with humility in victory and with grace in defeat?
- Did I reflect Christ, even in how I played?
You can be both fierce and faithful. Victory is sweet, but God values how you play more than the scoreboard.
2. Compete With Excellence as Worship
Romans 12:1 says to “offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” That includes sports, school, business, art, or anything you put your hands to.
As a Christian, your preparation, discipline, and effort are not just about performance—they’re acts of worship. When you practice hard, work smart, push through setbacks, and strive to grow, you’re honoring the God who gave you your ability.
So train hard. Compete boldly. Do it unto the Lord. Not to prove something—but to please the One who sees you in secret.
3. Let Your Attitude Preach Louder Than Your T-Shirt
You may wear a cross or a verse on your uniform—but what speaks louder is how you act when it’s hard:
- How you respond to bad calls.
- How you treat weaker teammates.
- How you react to criticism.
- How you handle a win or loss.
Philippians 2:14-15 says, “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure… then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.” You don’t have to be perfect—but your attitude under pressure can shine for Christ in a way that sermons never could.
4. Be Bold, Not Boastful
Confidence is good. Arrogance is not. Jesus was strong, wise, fearless—but He was never proud.
If you’re successful, give God the credit publicly and sincerely. And when people praise your talent, thank them—then point higher. Not with a showy humility, but with real gratitude that says, “I didn’t make myself. God gave me this, and I want to use it well.”
Psalm 115:1 says, “Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.”
5. Look for Moments to Lift Others
One of the best ways to represent Christ in competition is to see the people around you—not just the prize. Sports often push people to ignore, intimidate, or dismiss others. But the Christian way is different.
- Encourage your teammates and even your opponents.
- Help someone up.
- Speak truth and life, even in the locker room.
- Pray with or for someone if they’re struggling.
- Celebrate others’ wins when they come.
Jesus said, “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” (Mark 10:43)
6. Win or Lose, Remember the Bigger Story
Your identity is not in your performance. You are not defined by your stats, your trophies, or your results. You are defined by the cross. You’re a child of God, already loved, already chosen, already secure.
So whether you’re on the podium or on the bench, your value doesn’t change. And because of that truth, you can play free.
2 Timothy 2:5 reminds us that athletes must “compete according to the rules” to win the crown. In other words—character matters. It’s not just about winning, but about winning well.
7. Make Prayer Your Game Plan
Before you step onto the court, field, or stage—pray. Not just for a win, but for your heart:
- “God, let me compete with courage and character.”
- “Keep me humble in victory and gracious in defeat.”
- “Help me represent You in everything I do.”
And afterward—win or lose—thank Him. Ask what He was doing in you, not just through you.
Summary: How to Compete for Christ
- Compete with passion—but for God’s glory, not your own.
- Let your character preach louder than your performance.
- Be excellent as an act of worship.
- Walk in humility, speak with grace, serve others.
- Keep your identity rooted in Christ—not in outcomes.
🏅 You can be a competitor and a Christ-follower.
One doesn’t cancel out the other—it refines it. So go out, give your all, represent Jesus well, and leave the results in His hands.
Whether in sports or any area of life, run your race in a way that makes people ask what’s different—and gives you the chance to say, “It’s Jesus.”
sethmglazier.com 
Leave a comment