As we approach the busiest part of the sports season, fans and parents are asked to adopt these standards. Together we can help student learn life lessons through athletics and make Grace parents and athletes be known as great representatives Christ.
- Be God-centered “Let your light so shine before men that they will see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16) Our calling as Christians on the field and in the stands is to act and speak in such a way as to give God glory just for being God. Great sportsmanship gives glory to God.
- Be Other-centered “Let each of you regard one another as more important than yourself.” (Philippians 2:3) We are to treat our teammates, the other team, the officials, the other coaches, and the other parents. better than we want to be treated. We can’t check our Christianity at the gym door and pick it up on the way out. An intense game is the perfect chance to show others that the Christianity is relevant in a wild and crazy life.
- Be Goal-centered “Let your eyes look directly ahead, and let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you. Do not turn to the right nor to the left; turn your foot from evil.” (Proverbs 4:25, 27) Teams should not be distracted by player conflict or distracted by “bad calls” by the officials. When parents, coaches, fans, and classmates respond negatively to officials it also focuses our players on the officiating, instead of their own performance. So, cheer for your team when they do well, grieve with them when they stumble, and encourage them if they get discouraged.