SPORTS
It's common knowledge that exercise keeps both body and mind healthy. The Bible states that our bodies are God's property. For this reason, God expects us to treat our bodies responsibly; that is, to nourish and care for them and protect them from harmful influences. This includes getting sufficient daily exercise.
Commercial competitive sports are generally not about physical exercise. Instead, they're all about competition and financial gain. For spectators, however, entertainment is paramount. Sporting events are usually associated with strong emotions, which can be expressed, among other things, in exuberant euphoria. The atmosphere created by these events sends many spectators into a frenzy of emotions. While natural joy is God-given, the Bible exhorts everyone to sobriety. This means that we should not allow ourselves to be overwhelmed by our emotions or carried away by anything.
Commercial football exerts a tremendous attraction, especially on young people. The associated cult of players resembles modern-day idolatry. However, God's commandment states that we humans may worship nothing and no one more than our Creator. From an early age, children begin to identify with well-known sports icons and imitate them as role models. It is not the virtuous character of the athletes that inspires young people, but rather the desire to be as successful and respected as them. Many famous athletes are extremely vain personalities who enjoy being celebrated in front of cameras and idolized by their fans. Instead of giving glory to God, to whom they owe their lives and their talents, they seek fame and recognition for themselves.
Love for a particular sports team leads many to arrogance. The resulting rivalry often manifests itself in hatred, aggression, and hostility toward the opposing team and its supporters. This is further exacerbated by the influence of alcohol. So-called "hooligans" are particularly prone to violence. Crimes such as property damage or physical assault are not uncommon after a match. Such behavior contradicts the commandment of charity, which strictly condemns any form of violence against others. To ensure general safety during a match, the presence of police is often necessary. This, in turn, costs the state millions in tax dollars each year that could be more effectively used in other areas.
Furthermore, many professional athletes earn annual incomes that far exceed those of most wealth-creating individuals. Quite a few of them are multimillionaires. However, instead of using their acquired wealth for the benefit of others, they primarily use it for themselves.
For some, sport is their entire life. These people invest a lot of money and time in watching their favorite team play. In the company of like-minded people, they hope to find identity and a purpose in life, thereby momentarily forgetting the dreariness of everyday life. In reality, however, sports consumption distracts people from God and prevents them from finding the true meaning of their life, which lies in communion with their Creator. Those who are connected to God no longer need to compete with others. When God's peace fills our hearts, all competitiveness and desire for victory disappear.
Even for believers, competitive sports are a great temptation. Christians should not emulate any team or athlete, but rather their Lord Jesus Christ. Furthermore, they should not waste their money and time on expensive hobbies or trivial pleasures, but rather consider how they can use them for the benefit of God and their fellow human beings. Daily walking or hiking, as well as swimming, cycling, or jogging, are recommended to stay healthy.
You shall have no other gods before me.
No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.
How can you believe since you accept glory from one another but do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?
I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything.
But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— (...).