Got Game?
He was incredible.  Perhaps the greatest to ever play the game.  Unstoppable.  Unbeatable.  Absolutely unbelievable.  He would dazzle you with his high-flying dunks and take your breath away with his acrobatic jump shots.  He was consistent throughout the game and killer in the clutch.  There was something almost magical about watching him play.  You always had the sense that something phenomenal was about to happen when he took the ball in his oversized hands.  He redefined the game of basketball and was arguably the greatest player ever to step on a basketball court.  He simply dominated.  His name?
Matt Fletcher. ¬†No, actually it was Michael Jordan. ¬†The above quote is taken from chapter two of Game Day for the Glory of God, a book by Stephen Altrogge that is sub-titled “A Guide for Athletes, Fans, & Wannabes.” ¬†Given our own family’s involvement with sports, I am finding this to be a practical resource that helps me to keep sports and ballgames in proper focus. ¬†Most of my kids are involved in one sport or another. ¬†(Just last night we attended two of our kids’ basketball games.)
Sports are fun and can be marvelously instructive and helpful in teaching our kids about discipline, teamwork, and life in general. ¬† But more than anything sports should point us to God, whether we’re players, coaches, or fans. ¬†If you want a good practical resource for yourself or for your kids, you’ll find this to be a quick and engaging read (the book is just over 100 pages). ¬†If you’d like to know more about it, click here.
One Response to “Got Game?”
Leave a Reply
I’ve been thinking about the movie, “Chariots of Fire” recently. God gives even athletes the opportunity to glorify Him. Maybe I’ll have to watch that again soon.
In 2003, a player named Trot Nixon came to bat for the Red Sox, who were playing the Oakland A’s in game 3 of a best of 5 series. The problem was that Oakland had won the first two games, and only needed to win one more game. This particular game was in extra innings.
Well, Trot Nixon hit a home run, and the Red Sox went on to win the game and the series. After the game, he was interviewed on national TV, and he said that he didn’t have the strength, but he prayed to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to give him the strength, just before he hit the home run.
I’m glad he gave God the glory.