thefinishline 05/17/10
Christians and Sports: Can God Use You?
By Aaron M. Little
One of the hallmarks of CBN Sports' appeal to our audience is showcasing the superstar athlete that has a strong testimony and passion for Jesus Christ. These stories are important and encourage us as Christians, because we feel like we can attach part of our identity as a Christian to this well-known, well-respected athlete. There is a sense of, 'yeah, he speaks for me. I feel the same way he does.' And with that, we find a little more security in perhaps admitting that we too are Christians, just like that nationally known sports star, and if non-Christians can respect that athlete, then they can respect us and our views on faith.
But what about the overwhelming majority of Christians who may love sports, play sports, and watch sports, but will never ascend to the level of a professional athlete. Can God use these Christians in the greater world of sports? A co-worker passed on this article to our sports team here at CBN, and this served as my inspiration for today's epistle. I contend that Zach Lipson is exactly the kind of sports-loving individual that God has planted in the world to inspire people and bring glory to the name of Jesus. Born eight weeks premature and with a spinal deformity, Zach has endured over 30 surgeries in his first 19 years of life. But he has beaten the odds and nay-sayers and has followed his dream to be part of the University of Kentucky Men's Basketball Program. Do yourself a favor and read his story!
My point is this: God uses sports for his glory, but not always with the testimonies of famous NBA, MLB, or NFL athletes. Clearly the platform that God has given the superstars is important and can be a very powerful evangelism tool, but looking at the world of sports through eternal glasses, I think people like Zach Lipson are on the same all-star level as the pro athletes. Furthermore, while you may not have physical gifts to make it to the professional ranks of your preferred sport, chances are you have been blessed with a unique tool set of gifts, abilities, and a testimony that God wants to use in the world He has placed you. How many people do you think wrote Zach off and told him he couldn't possibly contribute to an athletic program? Zach didn't listen to the world; he sold out to God. As a first grader, Zach says, "I realized my true purpose here on Earth is to share the gospel, to share my story and to be an inspiration to people."
What's your excuse for not doing your utmost? God can and will use you, all the while making your craziest dreams a reality. Just ask Zach Lipson. But like Zach, you have to do your part. You have to shrug off those that tell you that you can't or that's impossible. God gave you your dreams and visions, and He didn't do it to torture you with broken dreams and disappointment. He did it to increase your faith in Him. Follow Him and He will do the rest. Again, just ask Zach.
One of the hallmarks of CBN Sports' appeal to our audience is showcasing the superstar athlete that has a strong testimony and passion for Jesus Christ. These stories are important and encourage us as Christians, because we feel like we can attach part of our identity as a Christian to this well-known, well-respected athlete. There is a sense of, 'yeah, he speaks for me. I feel the same way he does.' And with that, we find a little more security in perhaps admitting that we too are Christians, just like that nationally known sports star, and if non-Christians can respect that athlete, then they can respect us and our views on faith.
But what about the overwhelming majority of Christians who may love sports, play sports, and watch sports, but will never ascend to the level of a professional athlete. Can God use these Christians in the greater world of sports? A co-worker passed on this article to our sports team here at CBN, and this served as my inspiration for today's epistle. I contend that Zach Lipson is exactly the kind of sports-loving individual that God has planted in the world to inspire people and bring glory to the name of Jesus. Born eight weeks premature and with a spinal deformity, Zach has endured over 30 surgeries in his first 19 years of life. But he has beaten the odds and nay-sayers and has followed his dream to be part of the University of Kentucky Men's Basketball Program. Do yourself a favor and read his story!
My point is this: God uses sports for his glory, but not always with the testimonies of famous NBA, MLB, or NFL athletes. Clearly the platform that God has given the superstars is important and can be a very powerful evangelism tool, but looking at the world of sports through eternal glasses, I think people like Zach Lipson are on the same all-star level as the pro athletes. Furthermore, while you may not have physical gifts to make it to the professional ranks of your preferred sport, chances are you have been blessed with a unique tool set of gifts, abilities, and a testimony that God wants to use in the world He has placed you. How many people do you think wrote Zach off and told him he couldn't possibly contribute to an athletic program? Zach didn't listen to the world; he sold out to God. As a first grader, Zach says, "I realized my true purpose here on Earth is to share the gospel, to share my story and to be an inspiration to people."
What's your excuse for not doing your utmost? God can and will use you, all the while making your craziest dreams a reality. Just ask Zach Lipson. But like Zach, you have to do your part. You have to shrug off those that tell you that you can't or that's impossible. God gave you your dreams and visions, and He didn't do it to torture you with broken dreams and disappointment. He did it to increase your faith in Him. Follow Him and He will do the rest. Again, just ask Zach.