For some sport has become a god to which much has been sacrificed – time, money, integrity, family – to name but a few. Ball tampering in cricket, match fixing, performance enhancing drugs, unfaithfulness in marriage, fornication have all shown up in sport. Yet also there have been acts of kindness and compassion. In themselves sport and physical recreation are good things when used to exercise bodies and minds, competing or supporting and encouraging those who do. Sports and recreational activities often bring people together, letting them bond in a non-threatening way, and opening incredible doors to the Gospel. Christian team coaches and team chaplains can teach discipline and values from a biblical perspective. Christians are ambassadors for Christ and should ensure that they do not engage in any sport or recreation they would not want to be found in when Christ returns. Yet there has been, in more recent years, open opposition to Christ being honoured in sports venues, and prayers being made to Him at the sports venue. (2 Timothy 1:7 )
