Sports Revisited

It occurred to me yesterday after talking with a friend about my thoughts on sports, that for many children and youth, the athletic team or coach has become a substitute for family, parenting, and church. Things ought not to be this way, but in reality, many parents, even many Christian parents, don't know how to be parents, and instill positive and godly values in their children. For the Christian coach, this is a wide-open ministry opportunity. Nevertheless, parents need to spend more time being parents rather than chauffeurs. Extra-curricular activities are not required, and wise parents would do well to spend quantity time with their children while they have a chance. Benefits are many, both for parents and children. You know the old saying, that no one reaches the end of his or her life and wishes he or she had spent more time in the office. I have a friend whose wife home schools. Next school year, their oldest child will attend a Christian high school, which is a major sacrifice for the parents. In fact they really can't afford it. One of the reasons for the transition is to protect their children from the harassment of non-Christian children. But why not teach the children that persecution is a normal part of being a Christian, and help them to counter by being a powerful witness? This is the Biblical way to confront that problem. This world needs the Gospel. God charges the parents with teaching Christian values to their children, and He charges especially the father with the protection of his family. The sacrifice the world needs to see is the sacrifice of suffering for the sake of the Gospel. This sacrifice has won many to the Lord. The financial sacrifice of sending your child to a Christian school comes nowhere close. I am not saying there is no place for a Christian education, but I think we need to recognize ministry opportunities, both with our families and with others, and we might be rewarded with stronger family ties, and even save money in the process.