Call Us: 423 661-4734 | Email: requests@comeandreason.com      
Competitive Sports – Spiritually Healthy or Not?

Competitive Sports – Spiritually Healthy or Not?

I would like Dr J to discuss competitive sports and whether this is healthy for psychological/spiritual growth. The more I learn about the two conflicting powers (selfless love vs. survival of the fittest) seems competitive sports would not be spiritually healthy. Seems like winning would tempt one to be proud while losing would be damaging to self esteem.

I’m pretty sure EGW has spoken on this issue but can’t really find anything in her writings. Back in my SDA academy days, we did have some structured sports within the school, but it seems now many SDA academies are very “organized” openly competitive with surrounding schools……track, soccer, volleyball, basketball, etc. Even our local church has an organized, competitive youth team and promotes it strongly as spiritually healthy?

Just wanted some insight on this…..Thanks!


You have hit on a very significant, yet often overlooked issue. From a Christian perspective mankind was created in God’s image with other-centered, self-sacrificing, love as the prime motivator for all actions. Love for God and love for others was the ever present desire of the heart when God created mankind in Eden. However, when Adam sinned things changed. Sin is a principle antagonistic to love, a principle of selfishness, taking, exploiting, self-promoting. Sin is about “me” first.

Lucifer’s rebellion began when he sought to exalt himself and enthrone himself as most exalted in heaven (Isa 14, Ez 28). Selfishness is a violation of the very construction protocols for the way God designed life to function. Love, giving, beneficence, brings health and happiness, whereas selfishness brings fear, isolation and suffering and death. Imagine, rather than giving away carbon dioxide you instead put a plastic bag over your head to hoard it, such behavior violates the design for life and results in suffering and death to you.

This is the outcome of all selfishness. The problem in the world today is that selfishness is so deeply wired into our system that scientists and many professed Christians purport this drive to survive is “natural” or “normal.” But the reality is the “survival of the fittest” instinct is Satan’s selfish infection of God’s creation which causes all nature to suffer (Romans 8:22).

God’s plan of salvation involves transforming our hearts away from fear and selfishness to operate again in harmony with His kingdom of love, where we love God and others more than self. As we grow in relationship with Him, as we understand and value His kingdom more and more, we slowly become like Him and seek to uplift others. We surrender our need to protect self in a trust relationship with Him. That is why the Bible describes those who are ready to meet Jesus when He comes as “these are they who do not love their life so much as to shrink from death” (Rev 12:11). In other words, they don’t seek to protect their own lives anymore; the survival of the fittest principle has been replaced with love for God and others. Perfect love has cast out fear and need to protect self (1John 4:18).

Understanding these principles we can evaluate life’s activities and inquire – “Does a particular activity promote God’s kingdom of love or Satan’s kingdom of selfishness?” God’s kingdom of selflessness is characterized by sacrificing self to uplift others whereas Satan’s kingdom is characterized by dominating others in order to aggrandize or promote self.

In competitive sports what is the dynamic at work? Is it not one individual or group working, within the confines of the game, to “destroy” “dominate” “overcome” “defeat” the opponent? What attitudes do you see manifested by fans of various sport teams toward their opponents? Is it usually kindness, grace, acceptance, love or rather hostility, enmity, verbal and sometimes physical abuse?

In your own experience, what emotions do such activities arouse; greater desire to help others or greater desire to dominate others? When your team is losing what does that do to you? To the degree that competitive sports strengthen selfish desires they work against God’s design for human happiness.

You mentioned Ellen G. White, one of the founders of the SDA church. I did a little research and discovered she did comment on this subject. Here is one of her comments:

Vigorous exercise the pupils must have. Few evils are more to be dreaded than indolence and aimlessness. Yet the tendency of most athletic sports is a subject of anxious thought to those who have at heart the well-being of the youth. Teachers are troubled as they consider the influence of these sports both on the student’s progress in school and on his success in afterlife. The games that occupy so much of his time are diverting the mind from study. They are not helping to prepare the youth for practical, earnest work in life. Their influence does not tend toward refinement, generosity, or real manliness.

Some of the most popular amusements, such as football and boxing, have become schools of brutality. They are developing the same characteristics as did the games of ancient Rome. The love of domination, the pride in mere brute force, the reckless disregard of life, are exerting upon the youth a power to demoralize that is appalling.

Other athletic games, though not so brutalizing, are scarcely less objectionable because of the excess to which they are carried. They stimulate the love of pleasure and excitement, thus fostering a distaste for useful labor, a disposition to shun practical duties and responsibilities. They tend to destroy a relish for life’s sober realities and its tranquil enjoyments. Thus the door is opened to dissipation and lawlessness with their terrible results. — Adventist Home, pg 500.

Now with all of this being said, does that mean there is no place for competitive sports or that competitive sports provide only negative influences? To be fair, competitive sports can teach some very helpful principles, team work, self discipline, strategic thinking, cooperation, sportsmanship, compassion, community involvement, healthy living, benefits of exercise, and even selflessness for the good of the team. I know many individuals who have participated in competitive sports and have gained such benefits, however, I also know of others who have become obsessed with winning and developed very self-centered and arrogant characters often enhanced by their athletic success.

What is the balance? The heart motivation of the individuals involved. When an activity becomes the object of one’s heart it becomes an idol, whether for the athlete playing the sport or the fan watching. When such idealization occurs one begins to value the sport and success at the sport as a supreme objective and will seek to win at all cost. This often results in destruction of character.

The April 14, 1997 issue of Sports Illustrated Magazine published the results of a poll conducted of 198 Olympic athletes – sprinters, swimmers, power-lifters and others. They answered two questions:

  1. You are offered a banned performance-enhancing substance with 2 guarantees: You will not be caught and you will win your competition. Would you take it?  195 said yes, only 3 said no.
  2. You are offered a banned performance-enhancing substance with 3 guarantees: You will not be caught; you will win every competition you enter for the next five years and; you will die from the side effects.  Would you take it? More than half said yes!
When competitive sports extinguish love, fair play, honor, and a compassionate regard for others, then such activities are opposed to God’s kingdom regardless how much money or earthly prestige one achieves. But as long as one keeps love for God first and love for others second, sports can teach some very good lessons – the question – can we keep a healthy balance?
Email me the blog whenever a new one is published.

Donate online, securely via PayPal using your credit or debit card (no PayPal account needed, unless you want to set up a monthly, recurring payment).


cancel recurring payment

 

Want to use zelle instead?
See how on our
Support and Donations page.

Upcoming Events

calendar

Testimonial Post Slider

Testimony 64

I’ve been reading the bible and walking with Jesus since I was around 16. I’m 42 now. I’ve mostly been alone in my walk although I went to several churches in different denominations. For the past 3 years God has been showing me His character of agape. It’s been a blessing and changed how I view God and my walk with Jesus. About a year ago I came across the power of love and the principles of design law. These teachings changed how I read scripture and have been such a beautiful blessing. I’m very excited and grateful for these truths. We share these truths of agape, design law and the reality of the principles of the two trees in the garden of Eden with people on Facebook and YouTube. People all over are learning to trust God and His agape design law which makes life possible. Thank you for everything you shared with me. May God continue to bless your ministry and lives.

Bradley M., Hinsdale, NY, USA

 

Testimony 48

I just want to tell you how blessed I have been reading “The Remedy!” It has become a daily part of my devotional relationship with God. In it I have found a God of love and a God that loves me! The bible has come alive for me! It is the first time that I can say that I have felt hope fill my heart as I have read God’s word. This is good news I can share! Thank you, Dr Jennings! Thank you for your heart for others. I can’t put into words how this has set me free! It has strengthened my trust and love for God.

Jason H.

 

Testimony 37

Hearing Dr. Jennings’ presentations in person came at a pivotal moment in my spiritual journey that began about nine months ago, when the fault lines inherent in my belief system began to crack under questions that most reasonable people end up asking about God and His nature. These were questions I couldn’t find answers to, and they shook my faith. I was unable let it go any longer and be satisfied. My Christian experience became distant. I was afraid; the fear in me rose like thorns, pushing me away from Jesus. And then someone heard my questions and introduced me to this ministry, and my life has totally changed.

I can tell you that this new, “present truth” message is far grander and life-changing than when I shifted from being an agnostic and then a nominal Christian. It has radically altered my worldview, because it reveals a God that makes sense. It is a revolution. I believe that Dr. Jennings’ message is the final message that must go to the world. If any message could be called “righteousness by faith,” as abused as that term is by the right and the left, this is that message, because Jennings’ biblical message identifies a God who is different, whose character isn’t an impossible contradiction.

I walk this path now without fear. I see people differently, and the Holy Spirit burns in my heart. Many call Dr. Jennings’ message false and compromising, but it isn’t false, because I’ve seen the fruits within my mind and body. It is not compromising, because in this message is the only road to holiness that makes any sense. No longer do I behold a pagan god who is always angry and suspicious. Instead, I behold a God who is freeing and loving, always working for our good, and giving me every reason to love my enemy even to my own death, just as Jesus pleads with us. God is good.

Anthony L., CA, USA

 

Testimony 28

I have been following your Bible study class for about a year now. I must say I am impressed with how your ministry has grown. I took it upon myself to listen to all your lesson podcasts from the past and they have both enriched me physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I have learnt a lot from this class. I have also noticed how the class has grown in spiritual strength. One of the things that benefited me is that now I am not afraid of God. I use to be, but now it has melted away. The second thing is that you helped me to have a real life relationship with God. Now He is my friend that was always there and I love having him with me all the time. Thirdly, because of this class, it inspired me to take over and lead a class. I have called it “Let Us Reason Together,” adapting your inquisitive style and creating a class of free thinkers.

T. Banda, Malawi, Africa

 

Testimony 40

I was brought up in a different faith and have been petrified my whole life of God. I believed that I would burn in hell for eternity. When I was 12 I started pursuing the things of this world, but for the next 45 years the Spirit was always calling me, as I knew there was a God through nature. I could see the vast sea of stars in the universe and knew there was something bigger out there. Five years ago, through a Revelation seminar, I was blessed to learn about God’s character and government.

Then I found Come and Reason Ministries and have come under some extreme pressure when I speak about the ministry. One time a member sent me an internet article titled “Whats wrong with Tim Jennings?” I asked her what she thought of it and she said “I don’t know, I didn’t read it.”

I have always wanted to find out for myself the truth about God, so I stayed with the Design Law construct and have been liberated to understand the big picture. Once we consider Design Law, all other Bible stories and prophecies seem to fit perfectly. It is truly beautiful to see people grasping how God operates this Universe of Love and the liberation it has provided in their lives. It blows my mind to see how consistent Design law is with what our founders believed. I hear statements like “This makes so much sense.”

Tom W., Mt. Pleasant, MI, USA

 

Testimony 47

I can’t even begin to thank you and your ministry enough for introducing me to the Truth about a loving and merciful God! I have my daughter and her in-laws to thank for sharing with me “The God-Shaped Brain” as well as your website. I listen to the Bible study class lessons on my daily walk. May God continue to bless your thirst-quenching ministry!

Liz H., Port Angeles, WA, USA

 

 

Testimony 51

I Love This Ministry!!!!!!! I see first hand how this message is desperately needed, how erroneous beliefs about God and His Character negatively affect humanity at every level. I thank God for your ministry, as I was searching on my own and was discovering some of your same beliefs and was blown away when I found your ministry. I know you hear it all the time, but it is truly life changing. May God continue to reveal His Will to you and Bless you!

Eric S., Sanford, FL, USA

 

Testimony 25

I just want to say thank you so much for your conversations via YouTube. I regularly tune in to your lectures, “Let’s Talk” sessions, and many others. Through these I’ve found greater depth and meaning to God’s word. Thanks for all that you do and please continue. I’m currently working in the middle of Silicon Valley at Stanford University. I feel like God really has me in the right place right now and I’m sensing that your teachings might be part of it.

B. F., Silicon Valley, CA, USA

 

Testimony 11

I would love to have a copy of “Healing the Mind” DVDs to have in my therapy office. I enjoy having clients check out materials to enhance their therapy experience. I have sat under Dr. Jennings’ teaching at an American Association of Christian Counselors convention and respect his work greatly.

K.B., LA, USA

 

Testimony 15

I have been sharing Come And Reason Ministries Bible study lessons with several folk. You have such a beautiful view of the plan of salvation. If we had this message preached when I was young, my generation would still all be in church.

H. R., New Zealand

Testimony 21

I am absolutly on fire with the message at Come and Reason! I can’t get enough! I’ve read your book, blog, and articles. I’ve listened to your Bible study podcasts, your radio show, and your series – all excellent! It wasn’t until the past couple of years that I have I like I’m becoming “healthy,” with more to share with others than just beasts and commandments! I used to be a Bible worker and preached when the pastors were gone until I had had enough. I didnt realize at the time what the problem was, but i know now… the message wasn’t properly focused. Now my flame is rekindled. All of your little examples are so perfect in explaining something “complicated” and making it easily understood! Now I’m trying to shape it into a life changing evangelistic series! Thank you!

M.T., USA

 

Testimony 56

I cannot thank you enough for opening my understanding to the beautiful truth of God’s Law of Love and how it applies to everything. I have been a Christian for over forty years, but I feel like I am only now seeing with my eyes open. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!

Tammy Cinzio, Australia

 

Testimony 70

I have been watching you for many years and have learned to love God with all my heart. I was raised by a loving Christian mother that had been lied to about who God really was, so our religious upbringing was hell fire and damnation. As soon as I was old enough and moved out, I not only left the church, I ran as fast as I could to get away from it. Sad to say, it wasn’t until the past couple of years that I learned and understand who my Father really is and how much He loves me. I understand God’s Design Laws (which make sense) and when I’m teaching my church Bible study class, I’m able to really put to use the things I’ve been learning and Holy Spirit is leading. Thank you for introducing me to my Father of true, pure love. Everyday with Him is new and exciting. One thing that breaks my heart is that I didn’t know Him sooner. God Bless you and your ministry!

Judy Phelps, Reno, NV, USA

Testimony 3

My husband is a pastor and I listen to your lesson almost every week. Thank you for helping me in my study life and to help me love the “real” God more.

C. F., NC, USA

 

Testimony 67

I was introduced to Come And Reason by a friend of my mother-in-law, who gave me several CD’s of Dr. Jennings. The clarity of the message and recognition that God’s is a God of love was so clear, advancing beyond Dr. Maxwell’s message. However, grappled with Maxwell saying God used emergency measures for the fallen world. Now after several years of being a regular listener of the Come And Reasoning bible study class and attending Jennings’ meetings in Dallas/Fort Worth, TX, things are becoming clearer for me. Design law versus imposed law has added so much to my personal understanding of theology. This message has really impacted my work in counseling so many people miserable because they are searching for and trusting human governments to create order and peace or believing in a God who says love Me or I will kill you. I am grateful that I have an alternative view to offer my clients that makes sense. I teach a bible study class on a semi-regular basis and I value the materials that Come And Reason so freely offers to aid me in presenting this vital message. Thank you for continuing to provide advancement in our very limited understanding of a Infinite God that is rational and believable.

Dr. Roger D, Arlington, TX, USA