Does life exist during football season?

One reader asked via email about the philosophy of sports. Specifically, “Why are sports important? Is it reasonable to give one’s life to interest in sports?” This is a great question and a timely one at that. For what it is worth, my fantasy football team won this week. But back to the question at hand: why are sports important?

First, a few areas NOT being discussed here. Yes, folks have a variety of interest that may or may not be understood by others. I am not discussing why some are sports fanatics. I also acknowledge that physical exercise IS profitable. I will also give a nod to the fact that many sports metaphors are used in Scripture. Yes, watching competition is enjoyable; and the better a person competes, the better they are to watch. Face it, would you rather watch Tiger Woods drive off the tee, or me? I guess if it had been a while since you had a really good laugh that left your sides aching and your eyes watering, you might choose to see my swing but that is your mean-spirited sadistic nature showing, isn’t it?

I want to discuss the seeming importance of sports. Notice the word “seeming” and its relationship to sports. I do not know of any area in the world where sports as a whole are more emphasized than here in the US. We devote every spare moment to it; create TV channels to watch others participate; organize leagues to meet with others who are just as enthused with a particular activity. The list goes on. A neutral observer (the proverbial alien dropped in without knowledge of our society) would come away with the impression that we are obsessed with sports and sporting. To what end? Our days are overscheduled, our children over-stimulated, our sidelines packed with over-worked, over-stressed parent / coaches all in the name of activity, sports and its benefit. May I politely ask, “What lasting benefit?” On rare occasions, life can be enriched by sports. But those are the exceptions, not the rule. Some use sports as a means of entry to presenting the gospel; but the sports are serving the gospel. Too often in society, all is subservient to the god of sport.

Another subject to ponder: why is it so important for “my” team to win at the expense of “their” team? It is always curious to hear the MVP thank their Creator for giving them the victory. Please do not misunderstand me, thanks ought to be given; but what about the loser? Did they not pray? Were their prayers not answered? My simplistic answer is this: God is glorifying Himself through various means; some of which are easier to comprehend than others.

How much effort should be devoted to sports? Again, principles of moderation and service come into play. When the line is crossed and activities are being served rather than serving a purpose in life, the activity needs to be curtailed. This serves for your little girl’s soccer team as well as your son’s weight lifting, your spouse’s needlepoint and your own online fantasy teams.

While sports can be exciting and provide moments of diversion and enjoyment, they are meant to supplement life not be the aim and goal of life. Yes, a few individuals excel to the level that they can make a living at entertaining us with their ability; but most of us would do well to realize our limitations – and be willing to limit ourselves to demonstrate our control over life. Life ought not be the control over us.

Having said all of that, please pray for my wife as she begins leading a home school physical education group tomorrow. Sports are good; she knows how to keep them in balance with the rest of life.