THE CHRISTIAN ATHLETE
It is certainly no secret that athletics are an important part of our society. It is a multi-billion dollar industry that consumes the time and resources of many in our nation. Both professional and college athletes alike are treated like idols. Fans will spend hundreds of dollars and sit in inclement weather for hours just to watch a contest live through binoculars and leave very satisfied willing to pay more to see it again. On cable there are at least five channels dedicated exclusively to sports and dozens of local networks. In addition to this, all the major networks feature sports predominantly throughout the year. It also amazes me to hear the level of knowledge some have about sports and the various athletes involved (if only they knew as much about the Bible). Sports are a big part of growing up and a source of pride in communities. In virtually every town, no matter the size there is some type of sports facility and youth leagues to develop the skills of our children. Exercise is emphasized as being important to our health and we take it seriously. And as a rule, athletics is a good thing. I would encourage everyone to be active in some type of sport for health purposes.
During the time of the writing of the New Testament, athletics were also an important part of their society. The Greeks created some of the earliest competitive games. They had gymnasiums, race-courses, stadiums and other athletic facilities that drew large crowds to be entertained. Even Jerusalem had athletic facilities built by Antiochus Epiphanes (circa 176 BC), Herod the Great and others. Just as today, back then virtually everyone was familiar with athletics in one way or another. In fact, athletics were so integrated into Greek and Roman culture that often Biblical reference is made athletics. However it should be noted that many of these contests were barbaric and/or encouraged ungodly behavior. Because of this, both Jews and Christians alike did not condone such. In this and the next few articles, we want to examine some of the passages that make reference to athletics as they relate to the Christian life.
The word conflict (agwn, agoon) is from a Greek word that means among other things, “2. a contest, of athletes, runners, charioteers” (Thayer) Our English word agonize is a derivative of this word. When Paul uses the word conflict or strive, he is often making reference to these athletic contests. Colossians 1:29-2:1 says, “To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily. For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh,” Here Paul was saying he struggled, as an athlete does to win, at preaching Christ and making decisions concerning his brethren. Athletics usually involves a struggle. You may be competing against an opponent to physically gain the advantage (which is what most athletics is about) or against your own body to make it stronger (resistance training with weights, etc). As Christians we need to keep this in mind as our spiritual bodies struggle with Satan to gain advantage and to ensure that our souls do not lose to him. Paul admonished Timothy to, “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” (1 Timothy 6:12). He was telling him to struggle for his faith and for God. Paul also told his brethren in Corinth, “And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.” (1 Corinthians 9:25) Here he clearly makes reference to this competitive spirit of a contest as we press toward the goal for the prize (Philippians 3:14).
In athletics there is a need for proper perspective. Those who excel are the ones who are focused on the sport they are competing in. To become the best requires dedication, sacrifice and hard work. Our Olympic athletes are literally disciplined, full-time athletes, preparing for years to represent our country in international competition. Greek athletes had to take an oath that they had spent at least ten months preparing for the games (Games, Ungers Bible Dictionary). As Christians, we need to understand the dedication of an athlete as we serve God. Notice the context of 1 Corinthians 9 where Paul spoke of our competition. He wrote, “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.” (vs.24-27) Paul noted that in the race of life, we are to run to win the prize. To do this requires temperance (self-control), discipline, and certainty. Truly, our service to God is not something to be taken lightly. The Hebrew writer made reference to this race saying, “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,” (Hebrews 12:1) We cannot quit the race and be pleasing to God.
Spiritually, what kind of athlete are you? In our society, great emphasis is placed upon physical fitness. Paul said of that, “For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.” (1 Timothy 4:8) Instead he said we ought to, “reject profane and old wives' fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness.” (7)
To be pleasing to God we need to first enter the contest. In our next article, we will examine how to do that.
(Some details from International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, and McClintock & Strong)
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