Does God Care Who Wins?

After Indiana University beat Ohio State University on Saturday to win the Big Ten football championship, quarterback Fernando Mendoza said in a post-game interview, “I want to give all the glory to God.” Two nights later, after the LA Chargers beat the Philadelphia Eagles in OT on a game-saving interception by safety Tony Jefferson, he said, “All glory to God!” Houston Texans quarterback C. J. Stroud habitually gives credit to Jesus Christ after big wins, most recently over the Kansas City Chiefs, when he said, “It all goes back to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and to be able to glorify His name.”

There are many other examples of athletes giving glory to God after big wins. I love to hear athletes give credit to God after winning; in fact, as I’ve written elsewhere, my purpose in life is to give glory to God. I don’t doubt their sincerity, and when the athlete is from one of my favorite teams, I love it even more! However, it has caused me to think about how Christian athletes react to losses; we don’t hear from them as often after those because, of course, most of the post-game interviews immediately after games are with the winners, not the losers. The aforementioned C. J. Stroud usually takes accountability after losses and has said more than once how a loss can serve as a “wake-up call” to him and his teammates. I love to hear that rather than athletes who play the blame game, whether it’s blaming the officials, “dirty plays” by the opposition, or (much less often) teammates or coaches. When it comes to the Christian life, taking responsibility and being accountable are incredibly important, and not just in sports.

As a fan, I admit that pretty much all I care about–at least in the moment–is that my team wins! However, I’ve noticed that some fans seem to take it to extremes. Sometimes when a camera is panning the crowd, I see fans with their hands clasped together in what looks a lot like a posture of prayer, especially right before a big play at the end of a tight game. Are they actually praying that their team will win? I don’t know, but I hope not; I don’t believe God cares who wins and loses. I think what He cares about in the context of the game is good sportsmanship, regardless of the outcome; that’s why I like to see athletes from opposing teams embracing or shaking hands after the game.

One thing I should add regarding fan behavior is that there is something I’ve noticed less of in the last several years, thankfully: fans bowing with arms outstretched, over and over, when an athlete makes a great play; that’s very dangerous as it looks a lot like idol worship.

Looking beyond sports: There are plenty of people who have written and spoken about the value of losses in all areas of life. I think most Christians–certainly including myself–have found that some–but not all–of the greatest spiritual growth comes when we are experiencing tough times; for myself, I want to learn what the Lord is trying to teach me in a given situation. And regardless of my circumstances, I want to remember to give thanks in all of them (1 Thessalonians 5:18) rather than complaining, as I’ve given examples of elsewhere.

When we who are Christians “lose,” whether in sports or some other area of life, I hope that we are able to focus on how the Lord wants to bring us to greater spiritual maturity: if not in the moment, then over time. Ultimately, in the great spiritual battle that has been going on since the beginning of time, we are on the winning side because Jesus has already won. After living a perfect life, culminating in His crucifixion, Jesus rose from the dead and ascended to heaven, ensuring our final victory. One of my favorite contemporary Christian songs regarding this battle is “You’ve Already Won” by Shane & Shane; you can listen to it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJWc4rP-D8c

If you do not yet know Jesus Christ, this month is a great time to find out more about Him, as Christmas is almost here. This is the time of year when we celebrate the wondrous mystery of the incarnation: Jesus’ coming into the world as a baby. If you are not part of a church, I would encourage you to find one where God’s Word is preached and check it out.