This year, Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) is taking coaches and athletes through a study of God’s glory and asking them this simple question: “What are you chasing?”
One of our key verses is John 1:14, which says, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We observed his glory, the glory as the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
God has revealed His glory to us in many ways, and John 1:14 speaks to the greatest manifestation of this: the incarnation of His Son, Jesus Christ. Look again at this remarkable verse:
- Revealed glory is personal — “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.”
- Revealed glory has purpose — it’s “full of grace and truth.”
- Revealed glory has power — it's “from the Father.”
What is our part in God’s revealed glory? He invites us into a transformational process — a joyful practice of showing off God’s glory through the way we live, love and speak. As God reveals His glory to us in many ways — through Scripture, the Spirit, creation and more — we in turn are called to reveal His glory to others in our daily lives.
Athletics are such a powerful tool to accomplish this. Few things in the world are more watched or participated in than sports. This is the reason FCA exists — to bring glory to God through sports. Yet sports can often compete for God’s glory just as easily as they can elevate it. Anything that competes for God’s glory in our lives is an idol. Our love of sports, which can be such a good tool in building God’s Kingdom, can often vie for our ultimate allegiance and worship.
If we rely on sports to provide us some blessing, help or guidance in the place of wholehearted reliance on the true and living God, it changes into something that is unhealthy for our souls. Just like money, power, sex, productivity, the praise of others or even family, sports can fill our hearts with idolatrous cravings, pushing our love of God to the sidelines. As this battle within our hearts rages, 1 John 5:21 offers a beautifully succinct reminder: “Little children, guard yourselves from idols.”
Sports must never take the place of God in our hearts, receiving devotion, attention or love that should be directed solely toward Him.
Giving God glory in sports has nothing to do with winning, losing or our athletic performances. It has everything to do with our attitude and efforts in the midst of competition. It's found in the respect we show our opponents in the heat of battle and the humility displayed in simply thanking God for the opportunity to compete. It's shown most clearly as we keep our identity in Christ amid all our endeavors.
This is true transformation and will draw the world to Jesus.
The opportunity we have to use sport to reflect God’s glory is enormous! This year, 2025, has been the year that we have been calling all coaches, athletes, staff, volunteers and donors to chase after the Lord being clearly seen in all we do — in sports and beyond. All to the glory of God.
Shane Williamson is president and CEO of Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). Before becoming president of FCA, Williamson served as FCA’s Executive Director of Field Ministry and has been involved with FCA for nearly 30 years. A native of Loris, S.C., Williamson attended Wofford College, earning a bachelor’s degree in biology while playing football and serving as an officer in the FCA Huddle there.
