Game Day for The Glory of God

I just got finished reading Game Day for the Glory of God by Stephen Altrogge. Basically, this is a helpful book for anyone who plays or watches sports. Stephen is obviously a huge sports fan and wants to help others recognize sports as a gift from God. The best part of the book for me is the practical advice for parents. I want my kids to play sports much differently than I did. Baseball was my life from 3 to 18 years old.

Here are some of the other main points from the book:

-Our talents are gifts from God (thus, we are to boast in Him and not in our abilities).

-Humility pleases God (not pride).

-Sports are an opportunity to develop character.

-Christ is a great Savior.

My one critique of the book is that it omits a serious discussion of the danger that sports can be in our culture. It seems to me that too many men think about, play, and watch sports way too much (meaning they are neglecting things clearly commanded by God). Sports are a gift from God and we should receive them as such. But, as with all gifts, it is possible to love them too much.

CJ Mahaney writes an appendix in this book in which he discusses how dads should use sports to teach their sons. He shares the conversation he has with his son prior to each practice and game:

• Humbly receive correction from your coach, and ask your coach how you can grow in character as well as athletic skill.
• Thank your coaches for the way they have served you. And thank the referees after each game.
• Encourage your teammates for their display of godly character and athletic skill--in that order of priority.
• Encourage your opponents during and after the game. If you knock someone over, extend your hand to help him up.
• Play the game passionately and unselfishly. Serve your team by playing aggressive defense [his father never did this] and passing the ball on offense [again, his father never did this.]
• Humbly respond when the referee calls a foul on you. Do not complain or disagree in word or by facial expression [unfortunately, his father always did this].
• No inappropriate celebrating after you score; instead recognize that others played a role [his father never did this].
• Thank the team manager for the way he served, and recognize the humility and servanthood he is displaying at each game. Remember that true greatness is sitting on the end of the bench.