The Bible uses some sports as illustrations of spiritual principles.

1Co 9:24-27  Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.  (25)  Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.  (26)  So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air.  (27)  But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

The contrast between the temporary benefit of sport and the permanent benefit of the gospel does not mean that sport is bad, just that it less good than spiritual exercise. Some sports have good physical effects; others may be dangerous. There may be some sports that it might be wiser to avoid. I cannot imagine why a Christian would want to participate in boxing or wrestling; this may be a lack in my imagination of course. However as a non-sportsman it would be very unwise for me to accuse sportsmen of lack of spirituality. The non-sport non-spiritual activities that I participate in would then accuse me.

Sometimes sport is played at a time that clashes with when most people worship God on Sunday. That can be a practical problem faced by Christian sportsmen and sportswomen who then may need to make a decision as to where their priorities lie, and whether the way of life that sport demands on them is consistent with the demands that serving God requires. This is not a decision that I or anyone else can make for them, though I would certainly advise anyone against making sporting commitments that made worship difficult. In other cases the sporting activity may actually fit well within a spiritual life.

Last year a fine young couple belonging to our church moved to our small city for one sports season; the young brother had a contract to play Rugby League with a local team. He wants to progress a career in Rugby League and we were a stepping stone to a higher level competition. I have no interest in Rugby League, but I had a lot of interest in following his progress and I was able to attend three of his matches on Sunday afternoons, the only ones I will ever be likely to attend.

In summary, it is not wrong to participate in sport just as it is not wrong to be involved with other non-spiritual things. However there are possible problems that sportspeople would be wise to consider.

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