Don't Waste Your Sports

What will keep us from turning sports... into something ugly rather than beautiful?

I was sent this link from my home group leader a few weeks ago, in which it immediately caught my attention because sports are an interest of mine, and have been a big part of my life growing up. I typed out my notes below but you can listen to C.J. Mahaney give the sermon at this link:

Don't Waste Your Sports sermon by C.J. Mahaney

We must not allow our participation in sports or the viewing of sports to become idolatry, to become a false and functional God, to become a substitute for God, to become something we love in place of God, worship in place of God, and serve in place of God. Sports, is a gift from God, but when you add the human heart to the game itself, its all to easy for the gift to become an idol.

Principal 1

Participation in sports must be informed by the knowledge of God. We have a tendency, when considering the topic of glorifying God in sports, to proceed immediately to practical application and to prematurely consider specific ways we are called to glorify God in sports. But any practical consideration must first proceed from a theologically informed understanding of the character of God as revealed in Scripture and the person and work of Christ. We must begin our consideration of this topic, as well as of every topic, with God. Until we behold the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ we cannot accurately or authentically glorify God (2 Corinthians 4:6). Before we play sports for the glory of God we must behold the glory of God.

Principal 2

Participation in sports must be done as worship to God. Before we step onto the field or court, the Christian must realize this isn't just simply or solely a field or court but, a context for worship. Scripture is clear in that we are to worship and glorify God in all in life, which obviously includes sports. This perspective transforms the playing field into a context to worship and to glorify God, not impress others or draw attention to myself. This perspective transforms the game into an opportunity to honor God, express ones love for God, reflect the character of God, and to bring glory to God.

Practice 1

We glorify God in sports, by giving thanks to God for sports. If we fail to give thanks to God, we do not glorify God, and instead we cultivate a God ignoring, man centered, idolatress heart and attitude.

Practice 2

We glorify God in sports, by displaying Godly character in sports. We glorify God when we play sports, with humility. The humble athlete is modest when he wins and gracious in defeat.