Good Sports

Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2

DEPENDING ON WHOSE WEBSITE you’re looking at, everything from flag football to canoeing to pickleball (a combination of tennis and Ping-Pong played on a small court) claims to be the fastest-growing sport for adult men. The truth is that a lot of guys still love to compete well past their college days. Jamar Johnson, chief commissioner of the Community Basketball Leagues, observes that people like to play sports for three reasons: competition, camaraderie, and community. Relationships forged on the playing field often last the longest and grow the deepest.

The anticipation of striving together makes playing sports exciting. Wouldn’t it be cool if going to church were like walking into the YMCA for a rec league game?

Church can be like that. In fact, God desires that we get some of the same things out of church that we look for in sports—camaraderie and community (probably not competition, though). When we go to church, we should try to build lasting, deep relationships. As Galatians 6:2 says, “Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.”

Look for opportunities to help others. Though we don’t need face paint and team jerseys to go to church, we do need to “get in the game” and connect with our brothers and sisters in Christ.

BOTTOM LINE

Look for a church to help you grow in Christ—and in your personal relationships.

Moment of Strength: Hebrews 10:24-25