In the postscript season of the Summer Olympics, we have been disappointed to learn of more athletes who are being stripped of the medals because of substance violations. Often, discussion on Christianity and sports seeks to justify athletics because it teaches us certain spiritual disciplines and lessons for life.
Athletic competition is intrinsically good as it develops and preserves the body.
We are called to glorify God through life in a body that He has created. At the same time, we must challenge and reject the modern sports enterprise that encourages greed, violence, and pride. Winning is more than the final score. Our goal is informed by the Scriptures, which use athletic analogies to show the unity between body and soul, as well as teach us truth for life. Our desire, as Christian leaders, should be to develop among those to whom we're entrusted this winning attitude, on the field and in their lives.