Athletics and God

Most of us enjoy watching sports. We like watching various sports on TV, we enjoy going to games, and we have fun participating in our kids’ sporting events. But is there a danger that these sporting activities might be taking over our lives to a certain extent? How can we make sure sports don’t become our religion?

Personally, I enjoy sports. I like playing soccer, but I must admit it’s a bit more painful than it used to be. I love watching my girls play in their various sports because it is great family time together. Seeing their skill and the strategy involved in any sporting event is a lot of fun.

But they are games. I think we can all admit that our culture has become a little too serious about such things, devoting a bit too much attention and money to people who are playing games for our entertainment.

Playing games and watching sports is a fun way to spend the time God has given us on this earth. However, we must always realize that’s all they are – fun and games. If we want to get our competitive juices flowing, it shouldn’t be by watching the Packers vs. the Bears or the WLS Lancers vs. the Friedens Falcons. There is real competition going on daily in the battle between those on God’s team and those who fight for Satan: "Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to take your stand" (Ephesians 6:12-13).

Christians, know that we're not here merely to play games. There are bigger, more important spiritual battles. We need men and woman to step up to those battles, who remember to use the weapons of prayer and the Word of God in their lives and for the lives of others. We can't be distracted from what really matters.

While sports can be fun, an imbalanced life is a one-dimensional life and we might miss out on discovering who we are and what God's mission and calling for our lives might be. That's why I like Psalm 20 where it says: "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God" (Psalms 20:7). Horses and chariots are good for engaging in war. Sporting event participation and viewing are fun and entertaining. But, in both instances, we've been given a greater purpose for our devotion and trust. We've been given a Savior who allows us to be about a mission better than any game and any goal that doesn't expire when the clock runs out.

Being involved in athletics is great fun and wonderful exercise. It is also a good way to teach our children about being part of a team, develop skills and use their athletic gifts to God’s glory. However, when fun and athleticism detract from our time with God, then we are using our gifts not to God’s glory, but to our detriment.

That’s why we must always remember to keep our priorities straight. Sports are for this life, but Jesus is for our eternity. On very rare occasions, our children may become so great in sports that they make it as professional athletes. But our main focus as parents is to make sure our children make it into heaven. The only way that happens is for us and our children to receive salvation through the Means of Grace – the Gospel in Word and Sacraments. Jesus gives us those all-important Means in the sanctuary of our church, not in the stands or along the sidelines of athletic events.

Have fun in this life with your sports. But prepare for the life to come with God’s Means of Grace.