Agent of Change

Recently Sports Illustrated had an article by Alexander Wolff entitled, Sports Saves The World. This was a year long study of his travels through various countries who are suffering from HIV epidemics, gun/gang wars, and societal/governmental issues. His findings revealed the obvious to me: when you provide a specific program that introduces life principles and accountability, you then see change. Sports is a tool that can be used as a change agent across the globe and I applaud those within the article who are using soccer, basketball, and rugby to foster healthy lifestyles and alternatives to the hard ships and temptations they face each day.

One of the reasons I applaud this effort is that I believe in this investment. I had the opportunity to use sports as a tool for change in a third world country for several years. While I spent time teaching and developing the game of basketball for boys and girls, table tennis for females suppressed by government, and athletic administration for local schools, I saw the hunger they had for an outside activity that allowed for with-drawls from their daily struggles. Through these recreation activities we were able to not only teach sport, but to teach sport from a biblical world view. From sportsmanship to character, from selfish gain to teamwork. Yes it is essential that we play the games being offered and provide release from circumstantial issues, but we also have to provide the greater element of change - the life changing message of Jesus Christ.

Sports is a "tool" that has been given to us to use for a greater purpose. It is through sports that we can teach the virtues of Christ and attributes of His love that will enable a life change. Physical needs and circumstances will always allow for spiritual needs to be discovered and approached. That's the heart of recreational and sports ministry. It allows involvement in a global challenge while offering God's provision from a global perspective.

Be a part of change. Find ways that you can interact through your passions (let me know if it's recreation and sports) and assist in the development of physical needs while showing the love Christ when faced with spiritual needs.