I recently was told a story about a promising young man who left high school and sports to pursue a singing career. As I heard of his actions, I felt a questioning look cross my face. The person sharing the story said, "Well, he wants to be famous." I cringed—not because the young man didn’t have musical gifts, but because he desired more to be known than to be great.

As believers we understand that promotion, favor and opportunity come from the Lord. Psalm 84:11 says, "For the Lord God is a sun and shield. The Lord gives grace and glory; He does not withhold the good from those who live with integrity.” It’s tempting to get caught up in the cheer of a crowd, the receipt of a medal or seeing our names in headlines. None of us is immune to the emotional high of self-glorification. It may be even more difficult for those who are constantly in the spotlight.

An idol is anything we put before God. I believe that at times God allows us small victories and times of favor to see how we handle ourselves. Do we keep Him first? Do we acknowledge that He deserves all the credit? As athletes and coaches the challenge for us is to keep God first regardless of the outcome. We need to cultivate grateful attitudes, stay grounded in His Word, use our blessings to bless others and always give God the glory.

Hebrews 13:15 reminds us: "Therefore, through Him let us continually offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of our lips that confess His name." May it be said of us that we used our sports and positions to lead people closer to God. Few of us will become famous, but all of us can become great.