Sports and athletics have been an integral part of human civilization for thousands of years. From the ancient Olympic Games to the global phenomenon of modern sports, athletic competition seems ingrained in the human spirit. As Christians, how should we think about sports and athletics? What principles can guide us as we play, watch, and support various sports?
The Bible does not directly address sports and athletics in detail, but it provides some helpful principles that can guide a Christian perspective on sports:
Sports are a gift from God
All good things ultimately come from God (James 1:17), and the abilities, talents, and opportunities in sports are no exception. Physical strength, stamina, agility, hand-eye coordination, and other athletic gifts reflect God’s creative imprint and blessing on the human body. Sports provide a constructive way to develop and exercise these physical abilities. The competitive drive and mental discipline cultivated in sports also reflect unique aspects of God’s image in human nature. Sports are part of the diverse richness of God’s creation.
This does not mean that sports are an absolute good in themselves, but they are part of the larger context of God’s gifts to humankind. Sports, like all other parts of creation, are meant to be stewarded well for human flourishing and God’s glory.
Our identity is found in Christ, not sports
One pitfall with sports is when they become the basis for personal identity and self-worth. As Christians, our core identity is found in being beloved children of God, created in His image and redeemed by Christ (Galatians 3:26-29, Colossians 3:1-4). Sports cannot fulfill our deepest longings or determine our value and purpose in life. At best, sports are temporal gifts to enrich our lives, not define them.
When sports become enmeshed with our identity, they can distort our priorities and lead to sinful attitudes like pride and greed. Christians in sports need to hold their athletic abilities and achievements loosely, keeping them in proper perspective under the lordship of Christ.
Sports provide a context for Christian witness
Sports are a major cultural force that Christians cannot ignore. They offer a platform to live out Christian faith and values in public view. Through fair play, compassionate coaching, integrity, and striving for excellence, Christian athletes, coaches, and officials can represent Christ in their sport. How Christians conduct themselves and honor Christ sets an example inside and outside the competition arena. Sports are an important mission field with opportunities to glorify God before multitudes (1 Corinthians 10:31).
Christians in sports should also look for occasions to directly share their faith. Fellow competitors and teammates need to hear about Jesus. Sports can break down relational barriers as a starting point for spiritual conversations. Even public expressions of faith such as pointing to heaven or kneeling in prayer can spark deeper interest in Christ.
God cares about our conduct more than the outcome
Winning is appealing, but the desire to win can tempt us to sacrifice ethics and our witness. God is concerned less with the final score and more with how we play the game – whether we compete with fairness, grace, and honor. The apostle Paul uses athletic metaphors to spur us on to run the race of faith with perseverance, self-control, and an eternal perspective (1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Hebrews 12:1-3). Our conduct and character take priority over trophies and bragging rights.
This does not mean we cannot strive for excellence and work hard to win. But the process and competing with integrity matter more to God than the result. Christians should reject “win-at-all-costs” attitudes or dirty play just to gain an advantage. It’s ultimately God’s approval we seek, not simply medal counts or championship trophies.
Guard against sports becoming an idol
One of the most sobering warnings in Scripture is against idolatry – exchanging the glory of God for created things (Romans 1:22-25). An idol is anything that takes the place of God in our lives – something we look to for meaning, purpose, fulfillment, or worth apart from Christ. Sports can easily become an idol when they preoccupy our thoughts, time, emotions, money, and devotion.
Christians must be vigilant to keep sports in their proper place – as gifts from God but never as a substitute for God. Ask questions like: Am I willing to compromise my Christian ethics to gain an advantage in sports? Is my involvement in sports impairing my relationship with Christ and responsibility to my family? Are sports crowding out habits of Bible reading, prayer, fellowship, and worship? Be ruthlessly honest about anything that threatens to displace your love for God. Keep eternal things first.
Pursue balance in priorities and training
Over-commitment to sports and training is an occupational hazard for serious athletes. But even recreational athletes can become unbalanced. Sports are healthy but should not eclipse commitments to one’s faith, family, education, career, or community. Christians need biblically ordered priorities, with God first and foremost.
Athletes also need moderation in training. Paul uses self-discipline but emphasizes self-control as well so as not to excess (1 Corinthians 9:25). Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, which we are to care for prudently (1 Corinthians 6:19). Rest and recovery are key principles in athletic training. So are healthy attitudes toward nutrition, hydration, sleep, and managing stress. Christians should apply wisdom – not extremes – in their training.
Cultivate Christ-like character through sports
The competition, emotions, and relationships in sports provide a prime setting to develop Christ-like virtues. Traits like patience, humility, self-control, cooperation, courage, and compassion are exercised in the crucible of athletic endeavor. Christians can intentionally leverage sports as a training ground for godly character, which honors Christ and benefits others.
When conflict or hardship hits in athletics, believers can demonstrate grace, perseverance, honesty, forgiveness, and gentleness that reflect the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Sports reveal our heart, but also shape our heart in ways conformed to following Jesus.
Avoid excesses and dishonor God by your conduct
Not all sports reflect godly values, and even morally neutral sports can become morally compromised. The apostle Paul instructs believers to avoid any behavior – even permissible things – that could enslave or dishonor God (1 Corinthians 6:12). Christians should therefore avoid sports and competitions that involve objectionable behaviors like violence, crudeness, gambling, substance abuse, sexual exploitation, intimidation of others, or anything illegal.
Even in morally permissible sports, Christians should avoid excesses like unsportsmanlike conduct, dangerous aggression, overcompetitiveness, or a win-at-all-cost attitude. Dishonoring opponents, officials, or spectators dishonors God. Christians can usually participate in sports with a spirit of fair play and restraint.
Exercise care in choosing what to watch and support
Not all athletic competitions and events deserve a believer’s time or financial support. Christians should thoughtfully evaluate what sports they enable through their viewership and spending. Many professional and collegiate sports, for example, would benefit from reforms to better align with biblical values. Until then, Christians may decide to invest limited time and attention to sports that, on balance, reflect moral excellence and human flourishing.
When deciding which sports to watch or support, Christians should apply biblical standards of purity, integrity, godly conduct, and ethical concerns to determine if that sport is worthy of our precious resources (Philippians 4:8). Our choices as fans speak volumes.
Sports participation should uphold the Lord’s Day
Honoring the Lord’s Day for worship and rest is a biblical command rooted in God’s order for creation and redemption (Genesis 2:2-3, Mark 2:27, Hebrews 4:9). While views vary on permissible activities, sports that distract from keeping the Sabbath holy should be avoided. Sunday games and extensive travel for tournaments are concerning. Christians should ensure their sports involvement strengthens, rather than undermines, Lord’s Day observance.
That said, fellowship and recreation reflecting God’s intent for Sabbath rest can include appropriate sports and games on Sundays, provided God and worship remain preeminent. Sports are one way to enjoy God’s gifts and the joy of Christian community together.
Seek unity and fellowship across team loyalties
Sports team loyalties can divide people, but the church is called to demonstrate the reconciling power of the gospel. Christians with rival sports allegiances should preserve fellowship in Christ above team affiliations. What unites believers in Jesus is infinitely greater than what divides them as fans.
Fierce but friendly team rivalries can be entertaining. But the church should exemplify a community where shared identity in Christ overcomes worldly divisions – even light-hearted ones (Galatians 3:28). Use sports as an opportunity to extend grace and friendship across typical social boundaries.
Conclusion
Sports are a blessing from God to be enjoyed. But they also present unique challenges for Christians both on and off the field. Keeping sports under the lordship of Jesus and within biblical bounds allows believers to participate in athletics and competitions with integrity. By following these principles, Christians can both delight in sports and honor Christ through them.