Image courtesy Wikipedia

Voddie Baucham wrote a great article contrasting the acceptance speeches of Michael Jordan and David Robinson at the recent Basketball Hall of Fame induction ceremonies.

There was a stark difference between the two acceptance speeches. As I listened to the two speeches, all I could think of was the old commercial catchphrase, “Like Mike… If I could be like Mike.” Unfortunately, in this instance, Mike was the last person anyone should aspire to be like. This was definitely not a Michael Jordan highlight. Jordan’s Speech was self-centered, indulgent, arrogant, and at times embarrassing. In contrast, David Robinson rose to the occasion and made a brief, inspiring, encouraging speech (see his speech here) that made his family, his team, and his friends proud.

I encourage you the read the whole article. Baucham highlights the difference a regenerate heart and the Gospel of Christ can make in the life of an athlete.

What about us, the fans, the weekend warriors, the parent, the student-athelete? How do sports and Christianity mix?

Here are a few resources:

• The Reason for Sports: A Christian Fanifesto by Ted Kluck
• Don’t Waste Your Sports DVD with C.J. Mahaney
• Game Day for the Glory of God by Stephen Altrogge
• An Open Letter to Tim Tebow’s Fans by Ted Kluck
• Andy Pettitte and My Confession of Sin by C.J. Mahaney
• Are you Convicted When You Watch Football? I am
• What does it mean practically to keep the Sabbath holy?
• I Love You If… (Conditional Parenting Explored)
• Profiling Christian Masculinity
• Rethinking the Bottom Line

Update: Mark Lamprecht (@hereiblog) asks about missing church due to sporting events versus missing sports due to church.