The value of sports

Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training (1 Corinthians 9:25).

There are two types of sports; some involve teamwork, while others focus on individual competition. Both types of sports teach important skills. Games like football, baseball and volleyball emphasize the need for good communication and the ability to work together. Cooperative play also teaches the value of diversity; people with different skills are needed to fill the various positions on the team. As a teammate, you do not face things alone; when training is hard or a game is lost, the members of a team are there to encourage and comfort each other.

Individual competition has its benefits as well. Whether it be golf, tennis, or chess, such competitions teach the importance of self-reliance. When you compete alone, there is no one to pick up the slack for you; you must know what you are doing and be fully committed to giving it your best. You have to be well rounded, able to execute every move of your chosen sport. And individual competition teaches you to be flexible, able to adapt quickly to any situation that arises since there is no one else to back you up.

The lessons taught by such sports are valuable to the Christian. Following Christ is not always easy; we need the skills of both a team player and a solo athlete.

Christians need to be team players. We need to embrace diversity; Paul says that the Church is like the human body, a group of different parts that need each other in order to survive and be effective (1 Corinthians chapter 12). Christians need to communicate with each other, offering encouragement in times of stress and giving comfort when tragedy strikes. And we need to hold each other accountable for the times when we sin, because it is easy to kid ourselves into thinking that such behavior is no big deal.

But belonging to a church does not get you into paradise. God does not issue team passes for a place in heaven. Salvation is offered on an individual basis; it rests on your relationship with the Son of God. So it is important to know the Savior—who He is and what He says to you. It is important to take personal responsibility for your sins instead of trying to blame someone else for your shortcomings. The church exists to help you in your Christian walk, but in the end salvation is a personal issue between Christ and you.