is not necessarily to win, but to grow. We grow athletically, mentally, socially, and spiritually as we learn how to compete at our highest level. We bring honor to God by developing to the maximum the gifts and abilities He has given us. We use practice and competition to discover and develop these skills.
God wants us to serve each other in whatever setting He has provided for us just as Jesus Christ has served. “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave – just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Matt. 20:26-28). This attitude of service is the sparkplug for our behavior. Putting others ahead of ourselves involves focusing on others needs instead of our own selfish desires. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves” (Phil 2:3). Humility is not synonymous with weakness. Rather, it shows self-confidence to the point that one does not need to bring attention to oneself.
Realizing that God has made us in His image gives us intrinsic worth. Because of this, we understand that results on the athletic field do not determine our value as people. Rather, we can view competition as part of the growing process. We challenge each other to grow as people and as athletes. We learn to win with humility as well as lose with dignity.