Give God All The Glory

“I’ll have to start off by saying all the glory to God,” said U.S. Olympic gold medalist Sydney McLaughlin.

McLaughlin made history last Friday after she broke her own world record in the 400-meter hurdles at the World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon with a time of 50.68 seconds.

The 22-year-old University of Kentucky alumnus added, “These past few days getting ready for this race, Hebrews 4:16 has been on my mind – coming boldly to His throne to receive mercy and grace. And I think He really gave me the strength to do it today, so all the glory goes to God.”

The Olympic Champion has used her platform to unashamedly profess her faith, both on social media and in interviews.

“We can laugh at whatever lies ahead because we know HE has already won,” McLaughlin wrote in an Instagram post. “We can sleep easier at night knowing HE has a plan for whatever may normally trouble us. We can laugh at anything that doesn’t fit the purpose for our lives, because we know God’s plan is greater.”

Following her Olympic success, McLaughlin returned to her New Jersey High School and offered this insight. “Over the past year of my life, I realized that success is not measured by the amount of money, medals, or followers that you may have, true fulfillment comes from obedience to God.”

Even without knowing specifics about Sydney McLaughlin’s life, the public proclamation of her faith is admirable. And her example of giving “all of the glory to God” is a worthy example to follow. Her attitude reminds me of The Old Testament Psalmist, David, who often spoke of giving God the glory.

Think of the one identified as “a man after God’s own heart.” He was anointed the future King of Israel. Achieved national notoriety when as a 17-year-old Shepherd boy he slew Goliath, the giant Philistine taunting God’s people. God sustained, protected, and blessed him abundantly. To whom, David would give the credit for his success?

In God is my salvation and my glory;
The rock of my strength,
And my refuge, is in God.

Trust in Him at all times, you people;
Pour out your heart before Him;
God is a refuge for us.
Ps. 62:7-8

It’s so easy for us to become enamored with our own accomplishments. To feel self-satisfaction in our business, financial, and material success. To brag about our family. To take for granted our blessings. And to feel that it’s our own brilliance, hard work and personality that has produced whatever achievements we’ve experienced, accolades we’ve received, or advancements in life we’ve enjoyed.

If you’re a 5 talent person with the rewards to show for it, give God the glory. If you’ve achieved financial success, give God the glory. If you’ve been blessed with good health, give God the glory. If you enjoy a comfortable lifestyle, give God the glory. If your mind is sharp and your body is strong and you’re able to work, give God the glory.

Furthermore, in our ministry, let’s not made the mistake of thinking that the growth of the church, the addition of new converts, and the invitations to share the gospel message, are due to our superior knowledge, inspirational eloquence, novel approaches or deep piety. Let’s be like the apostle Paul who admonished, “he who glories, let him glory in the Lord” (2 Cor. 10:7).

Some have criticized McLaughlin and other athletes for publically expressing their faith. However, whatever our profession in life, we cannot live it in a vacuum. Whether it’s involvement in sports, business, politics, or social activities, God ought to be the center of who we are and how we live.

R. C. Sproul was right when he wrote, “We do not segment our lives, giving some time to God, some to our business or schooling, while keeping parts to ourselves. The idea is to live all of our lives in the presence of God, under the authority of God, and for the honor and glory of God. That is what the Christian life is all about.”

“To the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen” (Rom. 16:27).

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman