“Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” – John 13:35

Stick to Sports

Often times, professional athletes and popular figures in the sports world will go to social media to share an opinion on an issue unrelated to sports.  This has become a trend as the social media platform has grown.  Pro athletes, coaches and commentators will use their large social media presence to share an opinion on politics, justice, faith, culture, or another topic.  Unfortunately, followers in turn will get frustrated with a differing opinion and reply, “stick to sports” in some form or fashion.  Whether or not we may agree or disagree with another person’s opinion on a certain topic, the response of “stick to sports” is certainly not the best response.

As followers of Christ, we most certainly should strive to be agents of change in a world that desperately needs it.  Whichever line of work you find yourself in, the people around you should know that you are a Christian by the way you love, and serve the people around you.  This philosophy of “sticking to sports”, pertains to all of us.  We cannot just stick to our line of work in the office, and keep quiet.  We have to constantly be seeking out ways to show the love of Christ to others by our language, actions, and service.  We have to find ways to share Jesus with our neighbors.  We cannot remain on the sidelines.

When we see professional athletes and commentators make bold statements not pertaining to sports on social media, I admire them for using their platform to share what they believe in with a large audience.  Although we may not always share that same viewpoint, it’s important to listen and respond the right way.

It’s even more encouraging when we see professional athletes share the love of Christ with the world through their social media platforms.  The late All-Pro and Super Bowl champion Defensive End for the Green Bay Packers, Reggie White, would share with anyone who would listen, the love of Jesus.  His twitter account would have been awesome.

The next time you see a professional athlete share an opinion you might not agree with, think twice before you hit that reply button.

The next time you have the chance to share the love of God with a co-worker, take it.

  Don’t just “stick to sports”.

– Kyle Dobyns