Bragging Rights

Coaches and athletes love to win! They are driven to compete and to perform at the highest level. Being victorious is a well-earned accomplishment. They are tested in their field of competition but how they handle victory is the true test. We’ve all seen a spectacular touchdown by an NFL player but what sticks in our minds is not necessarily the play but how the player or team reacted to it. The first thing some players do is point at their name on the back of their jersey with an “it’s all about me” reaction. While others point up to God knowing that He is the One who brought victory. They have an “it’s all about Jesus” reaction.

For many people, social media is a platform for boasting. They claim bragging rights for their recent win, victory, or accomplishment, bringing everyone’s attention to them. It’s almost as though they were given this tool to point others to them and what they’ve accomplished, perhaps in an effort to feel good about themselves. In this case, boasting is showing pride and glorifying themselves.

But as Christ-followers, we are to boast in God alone when we experience victory in our sport or any other area of our lives and point others to Jesus. In FCA’s Competitors Creed it states, “I do not boast in my abilities or believe in my own strength. I rely solely on the power of God.”

Humility is defined as the absence of arrogance and is characterized by submission to God's will. The absence of self-exaltation and the attitude of humility place a person in a position of being blessed by God. So, let the one who boasts boast in the Lord!