What comes to mind when you hear the word “SPORTS”? A slam dunk? A winning touchdown? Players on ice, aiming the puck into the goal? A penalty kick that could decide the game? A grand slam? Cheering crowds?

Sports can be fun and exciting. For some people, playing sports is about the thrill of competition, showing off their skills on the court or on the field, or the suspense of not knowing who’s going to win. For others, it’s about having fun, getting exercise, and spending time with others.

Though Ellen White did speak against the intense competition that many sports enthusiasts crave, she did strongly encourage exercise, especially outdoor activities. In this issue we will expand the definition of sports to include activities like camping, hiking, swimming, and even gardening! Outdoor activities like these are a wonderful opportunity for families and friends to spend time together.

Ellen White warns against the dangers of taking any activity to an extreme. She unequivocally condemns obsession with sports.  Her concern is that sports might distract some people from their education, their friendships, and, most importantly, their relationship with Jesus. She would be saddened to know that some people are more interested in destroying the other team and winning no matter what the cost.

Here are a few principles from Ellen White’s writings that we can use in making choices about sports and recreation:

          1.       Nothing should distract us from building a relationship with God—from praying, studying the Bible, and witnessing.

          2.       Playing outdoors is best, wherever possible.

          3.       Try to spend your free time doing activities that build up the body, mind, and soul.

          4.  If a sport you enjoy costs money, consider the cost prayerfully and carefully. When planning your budget (what you do with your money), priority should be given to the work of God around the world and helping those who have little.

          5.  Christians should always exhibit courtesy. (Choose sports that don’t make you feel aggressive, angry, or eager to trounce someone when you play.)

          6.  Activities that give us a chance to help others are the very best. Think carefully about this when choosing any activity, hobby, or sport.

Maybe we could all ask ourselves the question, “Do the sports I choose make it easier or harder to think about heaven?” (Colossians 3:1-3)

Happy sporting!

—Editors