Question: “Pastor—is there anything wrong with sporting activities like soccer?”

Answer: “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come” (1 Timothy 4:8, NIV).

This Scripture translation of 1 Timothy 4:8 is comparing physical training with godliness. It indicates that sporting activities have some value. For example, they give us the physical exercise that our bodies need. They offer a needed break from mental activity. They can also help us vent stress and the pent up energy of youth. Yet when compared to godliness, physical exercise is less valuable. Godliness is much more valuable because godliness helps us in this life and the life to come. Sporting activities and godliness is like comparing $20 to $1000, the $20 is valuable, but if we have to choose between the two we would be much wiser to take the $1000. In my personal life, sporting activities have some value. I lift weights, run, play ball and swim. I spend time in physical activities because I know it will benefit my body and mind and I spend even more time in exercising godliness, because I know it will benefit me know and eternally.