Human strength, skill and courage are gifts from God that help people to carry out important work such as farming and building. However, God has also given these abilities for people to enjoy leisure activities such as music, craftwork and sport. God has given all things richly to enjoy (1 Tim. 6:17) and that includes sporting activities. But there are other benefits.
Playing sport can be an excellent way of maintaining health, especially in an age where many people have sedentary jobs. If we are healthy and fit, we are then more able to serve God and others. Because humans are designed to carry out physical work (Gen. 2:15), it is unhealthy for our bodies if we are too inactive.
Some sports also provide a good incentive to regularly get out into God’s creation. It can be very satisfying to explore the countryside at the same time as exercising and using sporting skills. Several sports are ideal for exploring creation, including running, cycling, horse riding and water sports. In recent years the infrastructure for running and cycling have greatly improved, giving many opportunities for enjoying God’s creation.
