Does God Like Football?

Courtesy AyD Photography

Does God like football? Undoubtedly, this is the most ‘Texas’ question of all time. Does He like sports? For that matter, does He like competition in any form? Well yes, I think He likes competition when it teaches his lessons in a way that no preacher could voice. I believe God uses whatever means necessary to communicate and teach us about him. When the players learn obedience, patience, perseverance, discipline and servitude in the form of teamwork, it is all about His values and not the world’s.

One of the first things we were told when we moved to this little Texas town was that this town was not a ‘football town’. And after 11 years, we've seen more L’s than W’s, confirming this declaration. Year after year, we have watched as our little team rung up more personal fouls than touchdowns. We have seen coaches come and go and we have seen parents move their kids away to an adjacent winning school in hopes of better results. However, slowly, the tables have turned.

Normally when our team was down, the penalties were relentless in play after play. Several years

ago, I noticed an attitude change in the coaching leadership and staff. It was no longer about the wins and losses, but about the kids and sportsmanship. For me, one of the first evidences of this attitude change came on a particular night early this season when we were behind on homecoming and the coaches, and consequently the team, kept their composure and focus. I realized that our team had turned the corner when we came back from behind in the second half of that game.

I believe football is a gift from God, but anything can be made an idol, and for the most part, sports have that place in the USA. Many times I see parents forfeiting their child’s spiritual development in exchange for non-stop games and practices. This is the very definition of idolatry. And idolatry is the big ‘numero uno’ sin against God. This is when we forget who is in charge. 

In my small town, I have unexpectedly been able to see the good side of sports again. Funny how I couldn’t see it until the wins started rolling in. These kids get to see coaches who have many of the qualities of our Father in heaven. And for some, that is the only good father-figure they will ever know. 

Isaiah 40:28-31 NIV [28] Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. [29] He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. [30] Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; [31] but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.