Sports and Seeking First God's Kingdom

[siliconwafer]

Recently, I heard a sermon about bringing up one's children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Christian parents should want to see their children come to know the Lord and to grow spiritually. The preacher gave some examples of how he helped his children to walk with God. He noticed that certain sports would be so time consuming that it would be detrimental to seeking God's kingdom first so he would not allow his children to participate in those sports. Do you know from your own experience or from the experience of others that certain sports would be so time consuming that it would be detrimental to seeking God's kingdom first?

I played baseball when I was growing up, but it did not hinder me from seeking God's kingdom first. During baseball season, my team would practice twice a week and play a game once a week. I would practice on my own once or twice a week.

What does it mean to be too time consuming? I think it depends on the person.

Whether or not participating in sports can hinder you from seeking first God's kingdom is dependent on the condition of your heart.

If some activity hinders you from seeking first God's kingdom, then don't do it.

[KingsGambit]

There's no clear line in the Bible that says "you must be consciously doing church stuff X hours a week" or anything. Rather, we are supposed to be living godly lives at all times. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says "whatever you do, do it for the glory of God". Now, with anything, it might become clear that it's hindering our walk with God and then we might know we have to cut down or give it up, but I don't see anything inherent about kids playing sports that plays into that. I might even cite 1 Timothy 4:8, which says "physical training is of some value", and we know it's good for kids to be playing sports. (I also might mention how Paul uses athletic analogies, which are obviously meant to be familiar to his readers, and doesn't condemn it, but that's not a particularly strong argument).

As a side note, I'm not a parent, but if I were, I wouldn't let my son play football because of all the data that's come out about concussions and the like.

[Sparko]

I already found God's Kingdom. Now what?

[KingsGambit]

I might also mention Zechariah 8:5, where as part of a prophecy, God mentions children playing as part of a positive future state.

[siliconwafer]

I might also mention Zechariah 8:5, where as part of a prophecy, God mentions children playing as part of a positive future state.

That's a good point.

[RBerman]

If some activity hinders you from seeking first God's kingdom, then don't do it.

I agree, provided that one has a proper Biblical understanding of what it means to seek God's kingdom in the first place.