2025 Camps Theme: GLORY

CHASING GLORY

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.

KEY VERSE

“Everyone who bears my name and is created for my glory.

I have formed them; indeed, I have made them.”

- Isaiah 43:7

REVEALED GLORY

Because He renews your life—by giving you a new heart. When God gives you a new heart, He also gives you a new purpose and, through His Holy Spirit, new power to walk out that purpose with boldness, confidence and conviction. You can do anything God calls you to do, but you can’t do it alone!

As you are renewed in Christ, you have a new heart, which creates a new identity in Him. Then, there is a new purpose to your life: To spread the Gospel and live your life for Jesus. As an athlete, your new purpose might be to use your sport as a way to reflect how Christ as changed your life or to share the gospel with teammates, coaches, and others within your sphere of influence. You also have access to the power of the Holy Spirit, who will give you strength and courage to do what God has called you to do. As you step out in this new purpose and power, you will begin to see your life transformed.

KEY VERSE

“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We observed His glory, the glory as the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” –John 1:14

REFLECTING GLORY

We’ve talked about surrendering our lives to Jesus in exchange for a new and eternal life in Heaven. But true surrender comes from trusting God in all areas of your life—including your pursuits as a competitor. Thankfully, your relationship with Jesus comes with an incredible helper called the Holy Spirit, who guides us through the process of spiritual transformation.

As you trust God more each day, it will show up in two areas of your life: how you manage your time and respond to others. Both are key in your desire to reflect His glory in competition and life.

KEY VERSE

We all, with unveiled faces, are looking as in a mirror at the glory of the Lord and are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory; this is from the Lord who is the Spirit.

- 2 Corinthians 3:18

LASTING GLORY

You’ve gone through the process of spiritual reset, renewal and refueling. You are now ready to show boldness and share the Gospel with unbelievers. It’s time to make disciples and live out of the overflow of Christ in you. As you become more ready each day to show your faith and share the Gospel, the Holy Spirit will create in you another aspect of the Christian walk—a desire to serve others, which is a vital way to express God’s love to those closest to you and to those that might be outside of your comfort zone.

When you serve others, you are showing God’s love for them and opening the door to sharing the Gospel. Sharing God’s love with others is a vital part of your new purpose in Christ. As you use your gifts in this way, you will be ready to leave your overwhelmed life behind and experience the overflowing joy and peace written about in our theme verse.

KEY VERSE

“For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever. Amen.” - Romans 11:36