Ellen White on Sports, Exercise, and the Race for Life

While there is a strong emphasis on the dangers of competitive sports, positive recognition is given to vigorous physical exercise and the disciplined training of the athlete when applied to the Christian life.

The Value of Physical Exercise

• Vigorous exercise is a necessity for students to prevent indolence and aimlessnessCH 189.2.

• Physical culture and training are essential parts of a right education and should be combined with mental and moral studiesCE 210.3+2.

• Proper physical exercise invigorates both the mind and body, fostering an unselfish spirit and providing a safe outlet for restless energyTEd 129.1+1.

• The time spent in physical exercise is never lost, as it prevents the brain from being overtaxed and maintains the freshness of the mindCCh 160.7+1.

Lessons from Athletic Competition

• The rigorous self-denial and severe discipline practiced by athletes are cited as a model for the Christian's own spiritual warfare 1 Corinthians 9:24-25LP 165.3+1.

• Athletes cheerfully comply with strict dietary restraints and temperance to reach their peak physical power, which is a lesson for those striving for an incorruptible crown19MR 342.1+1.

• The intense effort and agonizing determination shown by contestants in the final strides of a race illustrate the zeal a Christian should have as they near the goal of eternal life19LtMs, Lt 43, 1904, par. 7+1.

• When a contestant feels weak, looking at the prize gives fresh animation—a practice encouraged for believers to keep their eyes fixed on Jesus Hebrews 12:1-219LtMs, Lt 43, 1904, par. 7.

Positive Recreation and Cooperation

• Teachers are encouraged to associate with students in their sports and play, helping to regulate them and win the students' confidence1MCP 197.2+1.

• Recreation in the open air and sunshine is highly beneficial for health and is a duty for those with sedentary occupationsMH 240.3+1.

• Useful labor, such as working the soil or building, is the most valuable form of exercise because it develops character while strengthening the bodyCT 312.1+2.

• Parents and teachers are encouraged to provide wholesome, life-giving diversions in place of frivolous amusementsTEd 127.2+1.

The Highest Form of Emulation

• While worldly rivalry is discouraged, there is a holy form of emulation: striving to most nearly resemble Christ in character and hiding self in Him5MR 336.3+1.

• Believers should be more enthusiastic and excited about the plan of salvation than worldlings are about a cricket match or a horse raceSpTEd 80.1+2.

• The race for immortality is a contest where everyone who complies with the conditions can obtain the prize of a crown of lifeLP 165.3+2.

Satan is indeed the master worker behind the invention and promotion of modern sports and games to distract souls from their eternal salvationCT 456.1+1. He has specifically devised these amusements as a means to keep the mind absorbed in frivolous interests so that God and the plan of redemption are eclipsed and forgottenCT 456.1+1.

The Satanic Origin of Sports

• Satan is the one who has manufactured and invented sports and games as a multitude of ways to keep men from serving GodRH September 10, 1901, par. 5+1.

• The prince of darkness has set in operation every device, including exciting sports, to obliterate the image of God in the youthSpTA07 56.3+1.

• He generals these matters and manufactures diversions to ensure people have no time or appetite for industrious, useful workCT 456.1+1.

• Satan uses his ingenious methods and inventions to occupy the God-given faculties in doing nothing good, thereby thwarting the purpose for which God gave the Holy Spirit6MR 127.1+1.

Satan's "Game of Life"

• While men are absorbed in watching or playing games like cricket and football, Satan is playing the "game of life" for their very souls14LtMs, Ms 99, 1899, par. 19+1.

• He exults when his devisings succeed in leading students and youth away from watchfulness and prayer6MR 127.1+1.

• These amusements are essentially "Satan’s banquet," prepared to prevent people from receiving the righteousness of Christ and accepting the invitation to the marriage supper of the Lamb1888 1330.2.

• Satan is constantly working to hide behind the scenes, using his wonderful ingenuity to ensure there is no time for men to meditate on the salvation of their souls8LtMs, Lt 73, 1893, par. 3.

Demoralizing Influences and Spiritual Danger

• Popular sports like football and boxing are schools of brutality that develop the same characteristics as the games of ancient Rome, reflecting a reckless disregard for lifeTEd 127.3.

• The atmosphere surrounding these sports matches is often polluted with the presence of evil angelsRH March 6, 1894, par. 1.

• By plunging into match games and pugilistic performances, participants declare to the world that Christ is not their leader10MR 42.3.

• Satan uses these games to create a fever of unrest and a "panic, little short of madness" that makes the things of eternity drop out of human reckoning8LtMs, Lt 120, 1893, par. 3+1.

We are warned that the powers of darkness are working with intense energy and a stealthy tread to take the unaware as a wolf takes its preyEv 31.1. Let us instead take hold of God's strength and make peace with Him Isaiah 27:5.

...;It is naught, it is naught, saith the buyer: but when he is gone his way, then he boasteth.” Satan has devised a multitude of ways in which to keep men from serving God. He has invented sports and games, into which men enter with such intensity that one would suppose a crown of life was to reward the ...— RH September 10, 1901, par. 5 (1851)

...s the matter?” I asked. “It is because of the cricket match,” was the answer. And while men were playing the game of cricket, and others were watching the game, Satan was playing the game of life for their souls. Therefore we decided to locate our school where the students would not see cricket matches or hors...— 14LtMs, Ms 99, 1899, par. 19

...n are set in operation to hold the attention to frivolous amusements, and he is gaining his object. He is interposing his devisings between God and the soul. He will manufacture diversions to keep men from thinking about God. The world, filled with sport and pleasure loving, is always thirsting for some new interest; but ho...— CT 456.1 (1913)

...here are very few indeed who have any interest in spiritual things, and little can be accomplished. The very atmosphere seems to be polluted with the presence of evil angels, and Jesus, the world's Redeemer, is not in the thoughts of men— RH March 6, 1894, par. 1 (1851)

...earning, and the office of publication and the church, they fell back to be overcome by temptation. Satan and evil workers cast reflection upon God, and His name has been dishonored.... The instructors ought to have had wisdom to follow the indications of the Holy Spirit, and go o...— 6MR 127.1 (1990)

...ling, smoking; drunkenness and iniquity abound everywhere. Eternity is left out of their reckoning. Satan the great master worker, is concealing himself and his efficient working behind the scenes, and laying his plans with all great art and wonderful ingenuity that there shall be no time to med...— 8LtMs, Lt 73, 1893, par. 3