Many athletes are tempted to draw a line between sacred and secular in their lives. But is that really a thing?

Talking Points:

  • “Secular” things are those things that are worldly rather than spiritual. Someone with a secular worldview, for example, would deny the existence of God because they believe everything that exists is natural or “secular” rather than supernatural or spiritual.
  • We never see the word “secular” in the Bible. What we do in this world cannot be sharply divided between spiritual and secular. We are supposed to use our gifts and talents to glorify God in all things, even if those things are physical, like sports. 1 Corinthians 10:31, Colossians 3:17
  • Jesus lived an integrated life. While he often went away to pray and be with God the Father (Luke 5:16), he did not separate himself from the world. He used prayer as a time of “energizing” so he could go out and accomplish his mission among the “secular” people. Jesus did not “stay in church.”
  • When Jesus died for us, Christians became his temple (1 Corinthians 6:19). When Tony understood this, everything he did became a worship service. He was always looking for ways to thank Jesus Christ and worship him.
Talk About It
  1. Watch the video together or invite someone to summarize the topic.
  2. What is your initial reaction to this video? Do you disagree with any of it? What jumped out at you?
  3. What are some ways sports (or other habits/hobbies) can become unhealthy obsessions?
  4. Read 1 Corinthians 10:31 and Colossians 3:17. How can you live a life that honors God in all you do without going off and becoming a monk? Give some practical examples.
  5. Read Luke 5:16. What do you think is the proper relationship between “spiritual” things and “secular” things? Explain.
  6. Read 1 Corinthians 6:19. What do you think it means that Christians are “temples?” What should think look like in our lives?
  7. What can you do right now to start being more “worshipful” in how you train and compete as an athlete? Give at least one example.
  8. If you wrote an “arrow prayer” like Tony’s what would yours be? Why?
  9. Write a personal action step based on this conversation.
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