BiblicalInsights.net

     A recent Columbus Dispatch article titled, Chasing A Myth, addressed the dream many student athletes have of getting a scholarship or playing in professional sports (Columbus Dispatch, September 1, 2010).  A Dispatch survey of more than 1,000 area high-school students last fall showed that earning a college scholarship was among the top two motivating forces for playing youth sports outside of school.  These students are competing for nearly $2 billion dollars in scholarship money for men’s and women’s collegiate athletics.  But, most will never see any of it  . The NCAA says that less than 4 percent of the 7.5 million participants in high-school sports in the U.S. will receive full or partial scholarships (p. 1).  
     What are some  of the odds that a high-school senior will end up playing their sport in college and the professional leagues? 
     Sports                                 Odds/College               Odds/Pros
     Baseball                               3 in 50                              1 in 200
     Men’s Ice Hockey            11 in 100                          2 in 300
     Men’s soccer                       3 in 50                              1 in 1,250
     Women’s basketball         3 in 100                            1 in 5,000
     Football                                1 in 17                               8 in 10,000
     Men’s Basketball                1 in 35                               3 in 10,000
    
     Sandy Baum, economics professor at Skidmore College in Saratoga, N.Y., an expert in financial aid, said “It’s like buying a lottery ticket.”  While most parents and their children dream of big scholarships and large salaries in professional sports, the odds are against them.  What else should student athletes be focused on?  The answer is obvious–their education. 
     There is another aspect to the “sports craze” in American culture that needs addressed.  Many churches are seeing a decline in attendance at Bible study and worship assemblies due to over scheduling of sports activities.  What is a parent to do when a sports activity (practice or a game) interferes with Bible study or worship of God?  Here are some things to consider.
     First, set your priorities according to biblical principles.  Matt. 6:33, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”  Parents and student athletes must put God first.  Jesus warned about the “cares of this world” choking out the Word of God in the Parable of the Sower (Matt. 13:22).  Don’t make this mistake.
     Second, the value of your child’s soul is worth more than the money he or she might acquire through sports.  Jesus said, “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matt. 16:26).  Parents are involved in a soul-winning function in their homes.  The decisions made in the home should guide a child to develop the fruits of righteousness which lead to eternal life. 
     Third, remember your commitment to God is 100%.  Paul writes, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Rom. 12:1-2).  God demands full consecration to Him.  Ye cannot serve two masters! (Matt. 6:24).  Parents must not allow their children to over-commit and thereby schedule God out of their lives.  Whenever there is a conflict between Bible study and sports, why can’t God win!  A decision to put God first cannot be the wrong one.