Ellen G. White on the Spiritual Dangers of Sports

True principles of Christianity offer a deep source of happiness that replaces the need for worldly sports, which are often invented by Satan to distract the soul from eternal realitiesCH 631.2+2.

The Origin of Modern Sports

Satan is the mastermind behind the invention of various games and sportsRH September 10, 1901, par. 5+1. He uses these ingenious methods to absorb time, confuse the senses, and keep God out of the thoughts of both youth and adults6MR 127.1+2. By creating an atmosphere of intense excitement, he plays a "game of life" for the soul, seeking to separate humanity from their Creator9MR 111.4+2.

The Influence of Competitive Games

While simple physical exercise is not condemned, popular athletic sports often lead to harmful resultsAH 499.4:

• Intense Excitement: Games like football and cricket create a "fever" of unhallowed emotion that can lead to a disregard for the salvation of the soulTSA 54.1+2.

• Misapplication of Means: Money that should be used to spread the light of truth or help the hungry is often wasted on the outlay for these amusementsAH 499.4+2.

• Character Effects: Participation in exciting sports often fosters a distaste for useful labor and the sober realities of life, leading to a downgrade in Christian experienceEd 210.4+2.

• Satanic Presence: At many pleasure grounds and game matches, heavenly messengers are replaced by the exultation of the "synagogue of Satan"6MR 127.1.

The Danger of Extremes

It is vital to avoid two dangerous extremes regarding recreationAH 493.1+1:

1. Diseased Imagination: Some view all recreation as sin, ruling their lives with a "rod of iron" and lacking love in their heartsCH 631.2+1.

2. Pleasure Seeking: Others are constantly on the stretch to invent new diversions, becoming uneasy without outward excitementAH 493.1+1.

A Better Way: Useful Recreation

The Lord desires for His people to be refreshed and invigorated through methods that cooperate with His willLDE 85.4+1:

• Missionary Work: Students can find more profit in doing missionary work or helping the needy than in playing common games2SAT 239.6+2.

• Nature and Outdoor Labor: Walking in the mountains, tilling the soil, or engaging in physical trades like building provides the vigorous exercise needed for health while building symmetrical charactersHS 186.2+3.

• Innocent Play for Children: Children should be encouraged to play freely in the sunshine and fresh air, but they should also be taught that they are here for useful service rather than just playBEcho February 23, 1903, par. 7+2.

• Teacher Cooperation: Teachers should join students in their recreation to regulate their sports and repress disorder through love1MCP 197.2+1.

Eternal Consequences

We are living in a time of marked depravity, similar to the days of Noah Luke 17:2617LtMs, Lt 131, 1902, par. 15. Just as the people before the flood "ate and drank and rose up to play," many today are losing their hold on God through a passion for gamesSpM 69.2+1. We are called to be separate from the world and to touch not the unclean thing 2 Corinthians 6:179LtMs, Ms 48, 1894, par. 9. Every talent of time and strength belongs to God, and we must be sober-minded as we prepare for the day of the Lord, which comes "cruel both with wrath and fierce anger" to destroy the sinners out of the land Isaiah 13:9PH154 55.1+2.