Yesterday I posted about the general lack of emphasis within sports circles on what I believe to be two of the most important characteristics for any great athlete (or individual), namely, character and drive. I used Tim Tebow as an example as he certainly seems to be a young man of high character and high drive.

In reflecting on that post, a question kept coming to mind: In light of Tim Tebow’s faith in Christ and his deep drive to become the best quarterback he can be, why and how should a Christian pursue athletic greatness? Or, as a Christian, how can I justify my drive to become the best athlete I can be?

As I said, this came to mind as I thought of Tim Tebow, but as you might imagine, it is a question that is very close to my heart. Indeed, it can’t help but be close to my heart because I am a Christian and I have spent the bulk of my life pursuing athletic greatness. I suppose you can say that I need good, biblically based answers to these questions in order to justify the numerous hours I have spent and continue to spend pursuing athletic success. If the glory of God and the needs of others are as important as I make them out to be, how can I spend so much time on something as seemingly trivial as becoming great at a game?

Not only that, but such questions are personal in another regard. I have kids, four or them right now, all of whom I will encourage to pursue greatness at something (and yes, basketball might be among…just might). But why? What foundation will I give them? And if sports is among their pursuits, what sort of Christian perspective will I provide for them so that they know without a shadow of a doubt that the pursuit of athletic greatness is not (or at least does not have to be) at odds with the pursuit of God and His glory?

Some out there might think that such questions are unnecessary or will just lead to needless confusion. Naturally, I do not believe that, but instead would actually propose that if Christianity is true (as I believe) and that in being true, the Bible best speaks to how live ought to be lived in love for God and service to others, whatever it says about sport are the most important things you will ever learn about sport. Indeed, I would even go so far as to say that the only way to become the very best you can be is to embrace a biblical perspective of sport.

Sound a bit crazy? Maybe. But I don’t think it should. After all, everyone knows that the way we play is an extension of who we are. So what we believe about sport and the pursuit of athletic greatness means much more than we might initially expect.

All that is said by way of introduction. Stay tuned, for beginning tomorrow, I will begin to answer my questions and to justify my assertions. I am not sure how long I will go, but as I sit here today, I realize that there is plenty of material to come.