“Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.” – Psalm 115:1

To God be the Glory

A home run was just hit, and as the batter crosses home plate they point to the heavens. A touchdown just scored, and then we see the athlete take a knee and bow their heads in prayer. We hear it in the interviews of professional athletes when they say, “thank you, Jesus,” or “to God be the glory,” or “I just want to thank God for His blessings.” Aaron Rodgers famously said, “I don’t think God cares a whole lot about the outcome.”

He cares about the people involved, but I don’t think he’s a big football fan.” There may be, by the listener and fan, a tinge of annoyance, jealousy, or the casual eye roll at such a proclamation. It has almost become commonplace, and a cliche to hear athletes say these things. Why bring God into sports? Does He care? What should the believer do with these statements?

Whenever we hear an athlete give glory to God it should be a reminder for us that all the glory in our lives should be given to God, and not to us. We ought to point to the God who loves and saves. This will help us to keep our pride in check and to stay humble.

As we go about our lives let us remember that to God be the glory, because He loves us and He is faithful to His creation. This love cannot be demonstrated better in the truth that “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

To God be the glory!

– Shane Haffey

If you would like to submit a reader devotional, please email all submissions to jason@sportsspectrum.com