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.

Receiving glory in the form of honor, praise, admiration, or rewards will naturally happen throughout your athletic career. But it’s when you find yourself chasing glory that it becomes a problem. It puts you out of balance with God’s plan, which is to give Him all the glory for what He has done for you and through you.