Sports. You either love them or don’t care. From the early days of the Greek Olympics to the phenomenon that is the Super Bowl, the sporting industry is without a doubt one of the most popular topics in the world. Wherever you go, you’ll find people who are fans of a certain sport. Sports can, therefore, be used as a universal conversation starter for people in different parts of the world. In my personal experience, I have been able to talk about my love of soccer with countless people; from farmers living in rural areas to taxi drivers in urban areas to directors of large companies, I’ve been able to use my knowledge of sports to break the ice with these individuals and got to know them better.

When you break down the sporting phenomenon, you get a simple formula on why it’s universally enjoyed. Sports are mostly simple to understand; they all boil down into a meritocracy. Take a look at all the top athletes in the world. The highest-paid athletes are usually the best at what they do and they justify the large paychecks that they receive. However, a meritocracy can go both ways; once athletes pass their prime or end their careers early due to injuries, they will ultimately lose their value in the sporting world.

How are we, as Christians, expected to follow the examples set by the sporting world? Paul gives a comparison in 1 Corinthians 9:25-27: “Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we, an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” While secular athletes work for money and fame, we should learn to practice all things for God and for what’s eternal. Whether it be sports or faith, we must exercise everything for the Glory of God.

It’s also important that we show support to those who are competing for God and athletes who are fighting the good fight. One of the ways we can do that is by supporting the Cairn University sports teams and celebrating their contributions, which leads to some exciting news in the Cairn Athletics world! The Women’s Soccer Team is participating in their first-ever NCAA Tournament this weekend! We can pray for their safe travels as well as their athletic abilities that glorify God this weekend. Be sure to cheer them on when you see them!