THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK - From Daniel Khan

Faith, Fellowship, and the Finish Line: The Christian Value of Sport

As summer unfolds, the UK is once again caught up in the energy and excitement of sport! From the exhilaration of Wimbledon and our striving for a British champion; to the thunder of cricket balls in the latest Test match; we witnessed the sweat, bellow, and crunch of the British & Irish Lions on the rugby pitch; and who can forget the nail-biting victory of the Lionesses! At these times, we see a mirror of dedication, resilience, and community. For Christians, however, these moments are opportunities not just to cheer, but also to reflect.

In 1 Corinthians 9:24-25, Paul writes: “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize... They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”

Sport reminds us of the discipline and commitment our faith calls us to. Athletes train relentlessly—not for fleeting glory, but often for love of the game, of country, and of team. Likewise, we are invited into a life of faithful perseverance, with eyes fixed not on medals, but on the eternal crown.

Beyond the physical, sport also builds community. We gather in stadiums, parks, or front rooms to witness moments of unity that transcend differences. How powerful, then, to consider how church communities can foster that same sense of belonging. As Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages: “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together... but encouraging one another.”

We see this in grassroots sports—local clubs offering young people mentorship and friendship; schools supporting enjoyment and team-building among classmates; and parents on the sidelines (in all weathers!) to cheer, encourage, and console. We see it when competitors comfort each other after defeat, showing grace and humility. In these moments, sport becomes a parable of Christ-like character.

And of course, sport is joyful. There is something holy in laughter, in movement, in shared delight. Ecclesiastes 3:13 reminds us: “That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God.”

This week, as you watch or play, cheer or coach, remember that sport is not a distraction from God, but a place where His glory may be revealed - in effort, in teamwork, in joy, and even in defeat.

Let us give thanks for the gift of sport, and pray that in all things, we may “glorify God in our body” (1 Corinthians 6:20), whether in the pulpit, or on the pitch.

Blessings

Daniel Khan