Sports were a big part of my youth, and later as a coach for several decades. When I wasn’t coaching my team, I was driving my kids to and from practices. Americans spent $100 billion on sports in 2017—$56 billion on attending sporting events, $33 billion on sports equipment, and $19 billion on gym memberships (MarketWatch).

Nothing is inherently wrong with watching or playing sports. As a coach, I have seen many athletes develop self-control or character as they compete. In fact, the Christian coach or athlete should be filled with the Holy Spirit and display the Spirit’s fruit during every practice or competition. The Bible even uses sports-related analogies!

2 Corinthians 10 – The Danger of Sports

While I have argued the benefits of sports to parents, there is a danger for coaches, athletes, and fans. It’s easy to lose perspective about sports and begin making idols of our sport or favorite team. As a believer in Christ, we have pledged ourselves to God’s kingdom, not man’s kingdom. False religion and secular philosophy have captured the minds of many in sports.

Paul warned the Corinthians about this battle back in chapter 4 when he said, “The god of this world has blinded the minds of unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God” (4:4). Now, in chapter 10, he challenges them to “take every thought captive to obey Christ” (v. 5). He challenges them to oppose these strongholds that are philosophies, arguments, and “proud opinions” in verse 5.

The Christian coach or athlete needs to be conformed to the image of Christ, not merely reforming their behavior or character. Real transformation happens when we renew our minds with the Bible (Romans 12:2) and engage in the battle by trusting Christ and rightly diving into the Word of God (2 Timothy 2:15).

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete depend on the wisdom of God rather than the high-minded attitude that makes people think they know more than they really do (Rom. 12:16). They recognize that a disciple in the kingdom of God leans on God’s wisdom rather than depending on position and power.

Click HERE for the Kingdom Sports Minute on Susceptibility to Sin