Television watching doesn’t rate highly on my list of priorities. However I recall once being laid up for some days with a kidney infection and indulging in what – under other circumstances – I would regard as a waste of time. It was nice being a ‘couch potato’ without feeling guilty about it. I watched a one-day cricket match, then the tennis, then some more cricket followed by some more tennis. By and large it was therapeutic, good relaxation and enjoyable sport. It even highlighted some lessons for living. Allow me to mention three such lessons – and I’ll follow the three points of the Apostle Paul in the book of Romans.
First there is SIN. Sport certainly highlights that we live in a fallen and sinful world. I’m not just talking about the ‘sin-bin’ that’s part of some football codes. Nor am I talking about outrageous sins such as the ball tampering incident with a piece of sand-paper that Aussie cricket fans would like to forget. I’m talking about dozens of little incidents of sin – from racket abuse in tennis, to obstructions in cricket, to spear tackles in rugby. Or there’s the rage that refuses to accept an umpire’s decision; the match fixing allegations and the betting scandals. There have been Olympic bribery scandals and there’s the hooliganism of spectators who hurl missiles onto the field. Sport, like every other area of life is tainted by sin. Those of us familiar with Paul’s declaration in Romans 3 that ‘there is no one righteous, no not one’, would say that there is not a single sport that is not tainted by sin.
Second, there is SALVATION. If salvation is that which gives life purpose and hope again, then many folk certainly seek their salvation in sport. Heaven is a sunny day at the Sydney Cricket Ground watching the Aussies thrash the Poms. Or if you’re a tennis fan, heaven is an afternoon at Kooyong shouting the praises of the latest Aussie star. Presently another round of Olympic Games looms up and undoubtedly there will be the religious and salvation overtones that have become increasingly prominent. Some recent opening and closing ceremonies have been quite overtly religious. Consider too what we are often told in connection with the Olympics: These games will unite the nations of the world. They will give humanity hope and purpose in our struggles with life’s issues. It’s been good that revelations of corruption in the IOC have shattered somewhat the illusion that salvation is associated with the holy Olympic Rings. What a contrast to the Apostle Paul who spells out In Roman chapter 5 that sin can only be dealt with through faith in the saving work of Jesus on the cross.
And then thirdly, there is SERVICE. Paul speaks about service in the 12th chapter of Romans. In service we offer our bodies as living sacrifices in a joyful response to the author of our salvation. And there’s a parallel in sport. So often the dedication of some to their sport has to be seen to be believed. The devotion of the ‘balmy army’ that follows England’s cricketers around is inspiring. Often the fans of sports stars even dress in the colours of their teams. And if it wasn’t that, then the flags and the banners would say it all… to say nothing of huge numbers that fill the stadiums every day again. The awe filled language of the sports commentators outdoes the priestly zeal of most spokesmen for religious institutions.
Some people occasionally claim that Australians are not religious. But the adulation shown to our cricket greats and our tennis winners tells us otherwise. Some have even been rewarded by being declared Australian of the Year. Wow!
Do I mention these things to have a go at those who take their sport seriously? No! Like others I can admire contestants who use their God given abilities to provide a day of entertainment for those who have the time and inclination to enjoy a day at their favourite sport. Or in my case – are convalescing from a bout of illness and can’t do too much else. But when the State of Origin is on again, or the footy finals are due, or when the last match is being played at Kooyong to decide the winner of the Australian Open we do well to remember not to take it all too seriously. Your salvation is found in Jesus Christ and not in your sports hero winning that final trophy.
John Westendorp