Perishable vs. Unperishable

Sports are awesome! From following our favorite team or players to getting out there and competing, sports can excite us and challenge us in ways we may not see in other activities: being a good teammate, working hard, overcoming odds, etc. Physical and mental exertion – there is nothing like it. And when you or your favorite team/player wins, that is an incredible feeling.

As much as we love sports and follow teams and players, growing closer to Jesus and sharing Him with others is way more important, eternally important. In 1 Peter chapter 1, Peter wrote to various Christian exiles about the living hope we have in Christ. He acknowledged how the power of God found in faith guarded them and how they rejoiced despite suffering trials. Then, in 1 Peter 1:7, he wrote, “so that the proven character of your faith ​— ​more valuable than gold which, though perishable, is refined by fire ​— ​may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

Our faith in what Jesus did on the cross is more valuable than gold. Gold is perishable… medals and trophies are perishable… even sports are perishable. Our faith, if in Christ, is imperishable. It cannot corrode or fade.

When Jesus healed people who sought Him out, He would tell them their faith healed them, not their status or accomplishments. This does not mean that there is no value in sports. There is much we can learn from sports. But if our love of sports is greater than our love of and faith in Christ, then we are missing what is eternally important.