Often it depends on the moment. Sometimes representing Christ is much more about having a good attitude and being an encourager. It’s a shame when the kid who misses practice for church is the same kid who’s also gossiping, making fun of others, and telling raunchy jokes. That’s what the media always portrays. Our kids have an opportunity to show what Christ’s love really looks like.
Times have really changed in the last few decades, especially in the United States. Sunday morning used to be reserved for church. Now it’s for either sports or sleeping off Saturday night. America used to sing “How Great Thou Art.” Now they sing, “How Great Thou Throws That Football!” (We really could make a whole modern sports worship CD, couldn’t we? I Could Sing of Your Dunk Forever, Shout to the Ref, Here I am to Handoff, Better is One Game…)
We need more Christian role models. We need more people like Tim Tebow.
When our kids participate in sports they have an awesome chance to represent Christ. As parents, let’s bring our kids up making Christ first… and sports somewhere down the list.
Closing Thoughts on When Sports Come Before Church
In 1981, the world flocked to theatres to see the true story of Eric Liddell, an amazing runner who refused to run on Sundays. Chariots of Fire won Best Picture. I leave you with Liddell’s words:
“You came to see a race today. To see someone win. It happened to be me. But I want you to do more than just watch a race. I want you to take part in it. I want to compare faith to running in a race. It’s hard. It requires concentration of will, energy of soul. You experience elation when the winner breaks the tape—especially if you’ve got a bet on it. But how long does that last? You go home. Maybe you’re dinner’s burnt. Maybe you haven’t got a job. So who am I to say, “Believe, have faith,” in the face of life’s realities? I would like to give you something more permanent, but I can only point the way… If you commit yourself to the love of Christ, then that is how you run a straight race.”
