Wisdom for Sports Parents From the Old TestamentIhe Atụ

Play That Honors God

Let’s confront a pervasive challenge in sports and society: the pursuit of self-glorification. This trend, marked by athletes celebrating their achievements, often at the expense of sportsmanship, starkly contrasts with what the Bible advises. Scripture calls athletes to play in a manner that honors God, shifting the focus from self to the divine.

Proverbs speaks to the heart of this issue, warning against the pursuit of personal glory. In a world where athletes are often encouraged to seek their own glory, the Bible redirects our attention to the glory of God. This isn’t about diminishing the hard work and talent involved in sports; rather, it’s about redefining success and acknowledgment in terms of God’s character and values.

The concept of glory in the Bible is fundamentally about manifesting God’s character. When athletes compete with the intent to glorify God, they are, in essence, showcasing His love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. This approach transforms the way sports are played and how athletes perceive their purpose and achievements.

This shift is particularly challenging in a culture that equates success with personal accolades. However, Christ—who, despite His divine nature, chose humility and service over recognition—sets an example for us. By embodying Christ’s humility, athletes can resist the temptation to seek their own glory, understanding that such pursuits are ultimately as fleeting and unsatisfying as consuming too much honey.

The Bible reminds us that while preparation and striving for excellence are important, they should not be driven by fear or craving for human approval. Instead, the motivation should stem from a commitment to the Lord, a foundation that ensures that irrespective of the outcome—be it victory, defeat, or injury—our identity and worth remain secure in God’s eyes.

Parents play a crucial role in this narrative. How they respond to their children’s performance, behavior, and attitude in sports can either perpetuate the cycle of self-glorification or help break it. By encouraging their children to commit their ways to the Lord, parents can guide them toward finding true fulfillment and motivation in their athletic endeavors and beyond.

Is your ultimate commitment to the fleeting approval of the world, or is it to the eternal glory of God? Let this reflection guide our actions, both on and off the field, towards honoring God by fostering an environment where sportsmanship and humility prevail over self-aggrandizement.