The Competitive Edge…or Competitive Wedge?

Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. -1 Corinthians 10:31

Growing up in sports, I was always told to give 100% of my effort. If I heard this once, I heard it a thousand times. This motivational phrase has varying degrees of percentages attached depending on the speaker, some bordering on the ridiculous. I have heard anywhere from 110% to 500%, as if there is more than 100% of any given thing. The number above 100 is not as important as the questions of “how” and “why” associated with the phrase. As a follower of Christ, the Apostle Paul makes it clear in his letter to the Corinthian Church that the why is “for God’s glory.”

The world would have us do it for more selfish reasons, as a way of glorifying our position, efforts, talent, skills or abilities. While misguided, this glory is short lived and only serves as a temporary fix to our insecurity and constant need to be worshiped and appreciated. Paul has us instead focus our efforts on giving glory to the only person worth glory, God Almighty. For He is the author and sustainer of all that we have, we have had, or will have in the future. He blesses us with the ability to glorify Him in our passions and training, we are satisfied knowing that we are the vessels of that glory.

This knowledge and experience gives us joy and satisfaction as much as a painting enjoys those admirers that study and adore its image (as if paintings had minds and could feel such things). The painting glorifies the painter’s talent, skill and creativity while holding the admirer in complete awe of its beauty. This is how we too can glorify our Lord in all our efforts, doings, and ways. This is the true purpose of our being given such a stage, opportunity, and talent in the sport of Jiu-jitsu. This emphasis comes with a promise.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In ALL your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths. – Proverbs 3:5-6

This verse with a promise seems to point us in the direction of “how” to accomplish this most holy of Task. If in all our efforts on and off the mat we trust and acknowledge him in attitude, prayer, and speech, then He will show us the way to go. Trusting and acknowledging Him, turning any glory back to Jesus as it is directed at us and being thankful to Him for the opportunity and ability, seems to be the right course of action. In this way, we are fulfilling our purpose as image bearers of God’s glory and remaining in constant reliance upon His power and direction in all areas of our lives. This is the Purpose of our efforts and answers those burning questions of “how” and “why” we should give 100% on and off the mat.

Written by George Wehby

About George Wehby

George Wehby is first a devoted follower of Jesus Christ and a loving husband and father of four beautiful kids. George is a black belt instructor of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at the MMA Institute of Winchester, Virginia and brings over 28 years of mixed martial arts experience. In addition to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, George in a black belt in Nisei Kito Ryu Jiu Jitsu and a Black Belt in Goju Karate and has instructed and fought mixed martial arts. His certifications include referee with the International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation, Defensive Tactics Instructor and Firearms Instructor. With over 8 years serving in federal and local law enforcement, he is a former Federal Air Marshal with the Department of Homeland Security, a former Police Officer with Prince George's County Police Department (Maryland) and a former United States Marine.