Athletics, if intended to be an integral, Christ-honoring part of the Christian school, must be recognized as a means to assist in the fulfillment of the purpose and mission of the school. In education, as in all aspects of a Christian’s life, Christ is to be the goal (Colossians 1:16-18). If consecrated to Christ, athletics can be used to encourage Christian young people and their families spiritually, emotionally, and physically.

Spiritually
“For in Him we live, and move, and have our being…” (Acts 17:28)
“That ye may be… the sons of God … in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world: ” (Philippians 2:15)
“For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?” (I Corinthians 4:7)
Athletics should be used to help Christian young people to be grateful to God for the gifts and opportunities that He has given them. Young people should be reminded that God blesses faithfulness and He expects one’s best in any endeavor.

Emotionally
“For in Him we live, and move, and have our being…” (Acts 17:28)
“That ye may be… the sons of God … in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world: ” (Philippians 2:15)
“For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?” (I Corinthians 4:7)
Athletics should be used to help Christian young people to be grateful to God for the gifts and opportunities that He has given them. Young people should be reminded that God blesses faithfulness and He expects one’s best in any endeavor.

Physically
“I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made …” (Psalms 139:14)
“For bodily exercise profiteth little:” (I Timothy 4:8)
“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” (I Corinthians 3:16)
A Christian’s service to the Lord can be maximized if appropriate attention is given to the care of one’s body. Christians have a biblical obligation to care for their body as the dwelling of the Holy Spirit. Through athletics, young people should learn physical lessons that will enable them to maintain their body for a life of service to God.