As a follower of Christ we are to do to everything for the glory of God, even playing basketball (if you play). The Apostle Paul exhorted the Corinthians saying “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV) .This statement is a good description of what the Christian life should look like. Everything is to be done with aim of honoring God, pleasing God and bringing glory to His name. There are many ways that we can do this even in the very details of our life. Paul’s exhortation was that in everything, even in our eating and drinking we would glorify God. No area of our life should be an exception to this pursuit of glorifying God, but we ought to think deeply and reflect on ways that we can bring God glory in all that we do, even in playing sporting, exercise and recreation activities. Here are some ways to play basketball for the glory of God:

Enjoy the gift of playing basketball. Every good gift that we experience in life is a gift from the Father (James 1:17), who richly gives us all things to enjoy (1 Timothy 6:17, Ecc. 3:13). Sports, exercise and fellowship with others are all gifts from God and He gets glory when His children enjoy good gifts that He gives. As a father I know how it delights my heart to see my son enjoy gifts that I have given to him. Some young men that I have seen play basketball are so displeased and frustrated with their own performance or the performance of their teammates that they totally miss out on the enjoyment of just playing the game.

Thank God for the gift of basketball. We are to give thanks for everything (Ephesians 5:20) and when thanksgiving is directed towards God for the gifts He gives, then God is glorified (2 Cor. 4:15). It honors God when you pause to take the time to thank Him to be able to play basketball. Many people are not physically able to enjoy the exercise and fellowship of playing basketball with their friends. Too often we take for granted the simple things of life and don’t realize the blessings that we have until they are taken away. Be the most thankful person you can be for everything and in every circumstance. This is God’s will for your life (1 Tess. 5:16-18). I get together with a group of young men on Monday nights to play basketball and we usually come together for group prayer, giving thanks to God and pray that no one gets hurt (especially with the way we play).

Play basketball with integrity. No one likes to play ball with someone who cheats, manipulates, cusses is dishonest, or fouls the whole time. This does not glorify God nor is it doing any good to those who are playing. It’s interesting to me how playing basketball can bring out the real you, that is who you are on the inside. And this is not just with basketball but many other sports or board games can do this. I heard about a pastor who would take young men that were interested in becoming a part of his staff to play basketball. When he did this it helped see better what these young men were like in a different setting. When you do whatever you do with integrity it glorifies God!

Win with a good attitude. For many, there is a temptation to boast and become proud when they win. Boastful pride in no way glorifies God. The truth is God is disgusted with pride. It is the opposite of who He is and it is the very sin that led Satan to his fall from Heaven. The Apostle Paul exhorted the church at Philippi to “have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:5-8 NLT). A humble attitude should mark the life of every person who names the name of Christ.

Lose with a good attitude. This may be the most difficult time for many to have the best attitude but it’s a way to give God glory. Actually, if someone has a bad attitude it reveals that something is out of order in their heart. It’s like a check engine light in the dashboard of a car that lets you know something is wrong under the hood. Respectfulness, kindness, and humility should mark every person who calls themselves a Christian. The fruits of the Spirit, which are: love, joy, peace patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22), are displayed through those who are truly born of the Spirit and led by the Spirit. If a person significantly lacks these fruits they should really consider if they are a genuine Christian.

Affirm good shots, passes & moves of others, even your opponents. I believe it is very honoring to God when you honor others. As matter of fact, the bible commands us to honor everyone and to outdo one another in showing honor (1 Peter 4:17, Romans 12:10). This certainly is countercultural in our day where words of affirmation and encouragement are not cool but verbally cutting others down is. The Bible says “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” (Ephesians 4:29 ESV).

Be a team player. Pass the ball and don’t be a ball hog. The Bible says “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too” (Philippians 2:3-4 NLT). Christians especially should have the mindset of being a team player because we function as the body of Christ and are interdependent upon one another.

Do the best you can and don’t give up. The Bible says “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might” (Ecclesiastes 9:10 ESV). When you give our all in whatever you do, doing it as unto the Lord, God gets the glory. When we give our all and press through difficulties, perseverance, and endurance is developed in us, and this leads to the approved character in us (Romans 5:3-5). And this certainly honors God when we reflect the glorious character of Jesus Christ. Reflecting the image of Christ is what every Christian is called to be (Romans 8:29). Jesus endured the cross and persevered to do everything the Father had given Him to do. Jesus is the best example of endurance for us to follow (Hebrews 12:3-4). Use basketball as a means to develop relationships and share the gospel. Don’t value the game of basketball over people. Loving people is something that is very weighty and important to God and is His will for your life (Matthew 22:39). Basketball should be used as the means of loving people through developing relationships and sharing the gospel with them. The apostle Paul said “…I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them… I have become all things to all people by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.” (1 Corinthians 9:19-23 ESV) Paul made himself a “servant of all”. He used the glorious liberty that He found in Christ not for selfish living but for service. The aim of the Apostle Paul’s service to others was to win them to Christ, see them saved, and experience the blessings of the gospel. Paul sought to meet people where they were whether they were Jewish, under the law, outside of the law, or weak. He didn’t wait for them to come to where he was but he lived outside of his comfort zone and related to people on their turf in ways that would be relevant to them. This was all done for the gospel’s sake. This is partly what it looks like to do everything for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Don’t let basketball become an idol– Always keep God first in your priorities, time, thoughts, and affections. Love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength (Matthew 22:37). Everything and everyone was created for God’s glory (Colossians 1:16, Isaiah 43:7) and when we allow anything or anyone to get 1^st place in our hearts, then we have failed to give God the glory He alone is due. Those who allow idols to have God’s place in their hearts will find themselves dissatisfied and heartbroken (Psalm 16:4). God knows that He is the only one who can rightfully receive all of our love and devotion and not disappoint us or let us down. We are made for God’s glory and relationship with Him. The chief end of man is to glorify God and fully enjoy Him forever (Westminster Shorter Catechism). Often we allow good things that God gives us to become idols in our lives. These gifts from God should always send our heart’s affection back to the Giver of every good and perfect gift (James 1:17). The greatest gift that God has given us is the gift of Himself. He should be our greatest joy and treasure. He should be the one we give all our strength, thoughts, and affections.

We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Each of us has fouled and failed to live by God’s rules and for God’s glory. We were made in the image of God to reflect the glory of God and instead of bringing Him glory we have all dishonored God through our rebellion and disobedience. Because of disobedience and transgression to God’s law, we deserve death. The Scripture says that the penalty for our sin is death (Romans 6:23) But the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ. Jesus became a man and brought glory to the Father while he was here on earth (John 17:4). Christ never sinned or fell short of the glory of God (Hebrews 4:15) but He perfectly reflected the glory of the Father (Hebrews 1:3, John 14:9). He not only displayed the glory of the Father here on earth and He did everything in perfect obedience to the will of the Father. Because of His finished work on the cross, you and I can be forgiven and made righteous through faith in Christ. If you want to live for the glory of God then you can start by repenting of your sin and placing your faith in Christ alone for salvation. And live each day by faith in Christ giving glory to God (Romans 1:17, 4:20).