How should a Christian view sports / athletics?

Answer

Sports play a significant role in the lives of many individuals, whether they are spectators at athletic events, chauffeuring their children to and from sports practices, or actively participating in sports themselves. According to MarketWatch, Americans spent $100 billion on sports in 2017—$56 billion on attending sporting events, $33 billion on sports equipment, and $19 billion on gym memberships.

Athletic competitions and sports have been popular since ancient times. The Bible draws various parallels between the Christian life and the sports world: 1 Corinthians 9:26 makes a reference to shadowboxing; the author of Hebrews compares the Christian journey to a race, “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,”, (Hebrews 12:1); and Paul encourages us to “run in such a way to win the prize,” “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.”, (1 Corinthians 9:24, CSB).

Considering the Bible’s positive use of sports-related analogies, there is nothing inherently wrong with either watching or participating in athletic events. Supporting a favorite football team, playing golf, attending a volleyball match, or joining a community softball league are activities that Christians can and do appreciate. Christian athletes and coaches often have the opportunity to leverage their influence in sports as a platform for spreading the gospel.

Christian individuals engaged in sports can attest to the numerous benefits that such involvement offers, including stress reduction, weight management, camaraderie, and the cultivation of accountability.In sports, individuals can develop integrity, leadership, communication, goal-setting, and problem-solving skills. The endurance and perseverance needed in athletic competition can help in shaping and reinforcing character.

One significant advantage of participating in sports is the cultivation of self-control: “Every athlete exercises self-control in all things” «And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. », (1 Corinthians 9:25). During competitive moments, the presence or absence of self-control becomes evident to all observers. Some athletes (and fans) manage game-related challenges with dignity and composure, while others react poorly. The issue lies not in the sport itself but in the inner character of the athlete or fan. Sporting events often serve as a platform to assess the character of both winners and losers. Christian athletes, coaches, and fans should exhibit the fruit of the Holy Spirit, regardless of their location – whether on the court, field, or in the locker room.

Similar to other aspects of life, maintaining balance in sports involvement is crucial. Priorities must be established. It is common for sports enthusiasts to become overly engrossed, investing excessive time, money, and resources in what should be a recreational pursuit. Athletes striving for success may dedicate an excessive amount of time and effort to training, potentially neglecting family, friends, or their spiritual journey. The Bible guides us in setting our priorities: “Physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come” «For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. », <a href="https://www.bibliatodo.com/en/bib

(1 Timothy 4:8).

Sports are good and beneficial when kept in perspective. Sports should never be allowed to take precedence over time with God or become more important than seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness «But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. », (Matthew 6:33). Idols should not be a part of the Christian life «Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.», (1 John 5:21). And in whatever we do, on or off the field, we are to do it all to the glory of God «Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. », (1 Corinthians 10:31).