What the Bible Says about Sport

What does the Bible have to say about sport? Well let's go back to the beginning. The very beginning. Did God create sports? Well yes! And no. It wasn't God who first picked a ball between two sticks and called it soccer. Or kicked up the ball, bounced it, and invented basketball. God did not create the games we play. But he did create people. And he made us to run and jump. And kick and catch. He gave us talents. And sport is simply organized play. Where we can use those talents God has given us. We've been created by God in His image. And we can recognize our ability to play sports is a gift from God. And use those talents to please Him. How can we please Him? By using those talents for His glory, not our own. And by loving all the different people he has put around us. But, what about when sport goes wrong? Like anything in life. We see our sinful rejection of God in sport. Instead of respecting the one who made us. We use our talents for ourselves. And we don't reflect God in our relationships. What can be done about this? Well, God sent Jesus Christ to pay for our sin on the cross, and restore our relationship with Him. In Romans 12:1, Paul says: "Therefore I urge you" "Brothers and sisters" "In view of God’s mercy" "To offer your bodies as a living sacrifice" "Holy and pleasing to God." "This is your true and proper worship." Because of what God has done. Restoring us forever in relationship with Him. Whatever we do, we can now give as worship to God. So as we play, we can now offer God our talents. Seeing our sport as an opportunity, to thank and worship Him. And we could offer God our relationships too. As we share life and the Gospel with those around us, in sport and play. So, if you love sport and are a follower of Jesus. Get out there and play.