Each week one of our band members shares devotions during our practice. Here’s what Susan Hannah shared at last week’s practice.
𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭
There has been a lot of conversations over the summer with regards to athletes outwardly showing their faith and occasionally they have been met with backlash from social media and even the organisations that they represent.
Athletes are often role models, and many use their platform to openly express their faith through prayer, gratitude, and humility. Whether celebrating a victory or facing defeat, their willingness to acknowledge God reminds us that faith is not something to hide but something to live out every day.
Sport and faith have much in common. Both require commitment, discipline, perseverance, and a willingness to keep going when things become difficult. Athletes spend countless hours training for a competition that may last only minutes. In the same way, our spiritual lives are shaped through daily choices to pray, serve, trust God, and live according to His will.
The Bible often uses sporting imagery to illustrate the Christian life. Paul compares faith to running a race, reminding believers that success is not simply about talent but about endurance and focus. In sport, victory is not always measured by medals, trophies, or league tables. Character, integrity, teamwork, humility in victory, and grace in defeat are often the greatest achievements.
Religion in sport is not about using faith as a tool to win. Rather, it is about allowing faith to shape how we compete, how we treat others, and how we respond to both success and disappointment. A person of faith can honour God whether standing on the winner’s podium or supporting teammates from the sidelines.
Sport also reminds us that we are part of something bigger than ourselves. Just as a team relies on every member playing their part, the Christian faith calls us to encourage, support, and build one another up. When we compete with respect, fairness, and compassion, we reflect God’s love to those around us.
𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫
Lord Jesus, thank You for those who boldly and respectfully live out their faith. Help us to be unashamed of our trust in You and to be a positive example to others through our words and actions. Amen.
