The RenewaNation Review 2020 Volume 12 Issue 1 | Page 31

allotted to spiritual edification and worship, the Ruler of
the universe is often sent to the bench. In the process, we
teach our children that devotion to sports is more import-
ant than both devotion to God and loyalty to our spiritual
family. Have you considered you may be teaching your kids
to worship sports?
Here are some ways to put sports in the proper place:
First, decide beforehand that there will be no contest
between the church’s essential activities designed for your
family’s spiritual growth and what the team plans for your
lives. If you will talk this over ahead of time with your child
and then the coach, there will be no confusion. Through the
years, I’ve found that many coaches respect that decision.
But, it must be a prior decision, not one made on a case-by-
case basis. When sports conflicts with Sunday worship or
youth camp or a special spiritual activity, the decision has
already been made.
Secondly, determine that your children cannot play
every sport. There is a sanctity to the home life that must be
protected. You need quiet evenings at home. You need meals
together. Let your children know that you are excited about
sports, but there are limits. You then determine what those
limits are. For us, we attempt to have only one sport per year
for each child.
Finally, think about some creative choices. One of my
sons played basketball, but the season was interminably
long. I was also traveling. So, I would be gone speaking
over the weekend, and then, when I was home, I was out
two or more nights sitting on the sidelines watching my
son practice. It was not really “time together.” This wasn’t
going to work.
The solution came to me after prayer. I asked him if he
would be willing to learn golf in the place of basketball. We
could play together, along with his brother, and we could do
it whenever we wanted. We could enjoy this for the rest of
our lives. I’ve paid some extra money, but I’ve bought back
some time with my sons and some good exercise for me
also. It’s a bargain.
God Himself uses sports language in the New Testament.
He’s not against it unless it steals the devotion belonging to
Him. All other gods have to go! ■
Jim Elliff is president of Christian Communicators Worldwide (ccwtoday.org) and one of
several pastors of Christ Fellowship of Kansas City. He is the author of several books and
travels extensively in the U.S. and overseas training leaders and helping churches.
Copyright © 2004 Christian Communicators Worldwide. All Rights Reserved. Reprinted by
permission. For more information, visit ccwtoday.org.
BIBLICAL
WORLDVIEW
CONFERENCE
FOR PARENTS AND GRANDPARENTS
with Renewanation President Jeff Keaton and Dr. Josh Mulvihill
SESSION TOPICS INCLUDE:
Six Reasons Why We Must Give Children a Biblical Worldview
Biblical Methods to Help a Child Develop a Biblical Worldview
Understanding the Biblical Role of Grandparents
Understanding the Bible in Four Words
 renewanation.org
 540-890-8900
GIVE TO THE
CAUSE THAT IS
TEACHING CHILDREN
BIBLICAL TRUTH
Your gift to Renewanation will:
• Bring the hope of Christ to
many children
• Start new Christian schools
• Revitalize existing
Christian schools
• Grow our Church &
Family Ministry
Division & more!
 renewanation.org
 540-890-8900
31