The Calvary Difference
Self-control in adversity, the value of hard work and practice, godliness regardless of circumstances, consideration of others, and respect for authority. These are some of the key spiritual issues addressed through athletics. The mission of Calvary athletics is the same as the mission of the school... to build Christian character and servant leadership. Each Calvary athlete is a multi-faceted individual who needs not only physical development, but spiritual, emotional, social and mental as well.
The driving motive of Calvary athletics is to disciple the athlete physically, spiritually, socially,m emotionally and mentally so that he/she will love Jesus Christ and make an impact for His Kingdom. With this driving motive our athletic program will look different than other schools that do not have this objective. Christ-like behavior and attitudes from athletes, parents and coaches are not just important, they are critical to the very mission of Calvary athletics. There is no room for pragmatism (whatever works, use it), subtle breaking of rules to gain an advantage or expressions of disrespect and insubordination towards authority. While these are prevalent in our broader athletic culture, they are counterproductive towards Calvary's goals. What is the Calvary Difference? Difference #1: Calvary athletics will elevate the name and reputation of Jesus Christ. A team may establish many goals. None of them are greater than bringing glory to our Lord and Savior. As a Christian school, we should be noticeably different in our attitudes and actions. We are called by our Lord to be a "city on a hill" in an athletic contest. We need to continually encourage our athletes and coaches to pursue the elevation of Christ's reputation. Difference #2: Calvary athletics trains the body, soul and mind. There is no difference between morality in sport and in everyday life. Galatians 5 contains two lists of traits, the fruit of the spirit and the fruit of the flesh. We are always developing one set of traits or the other. There is neutral ground. We must admit that actions on the field or the court are accurate indicators of the true person, whether positive or negative. We must also accept that the disciplined training during practice is effective discipleship and that the hard work, dedication, discipline and team work that a coach builds into a player will have real life spiritual impact. Difference #3: Calvary will not link the value of an athlete to the athlete's performance. Value as an athlete or a team is not determined by a win-loss record. Individual athletes or a whole team may perform poorly but are still worthwhile, valuable and to be loved and accepted. This is God's example to us; in that, while we were still sinners He loved us and sent His Son to die for us. No member of any team is more valuable than another; each has a role to play and must be challenged to play that roll with excellence. Therefore, success in Calvary athletics is evaluated based on each individual's personal athletic growth, the Biblical characteristics and spiritual qualities revealed in the contest and finally on how the team as a whole works together to attain its goals. Difference #4 : Calvary is thankful to God for victory or defeat. The spoilsport who does not try to win is worse than a cheat. If a sport is to be a sport at all, its goal must be to win. The goal of hard word, sacrifice and training is the crown of victory. We must not however equate victory in a contest as proof of God's blessing or approval. An athlete may work diligently and lose. It is clear in Scripture that obedience, hard work and patience does not always result in victory, at least not in this world (Genesis 37 - 50). Our attitude should be to prepare to win and play to win... then regardless of the outcome, learn the key life lessons ~ without grumbling! Difference #5: Calvary honors and respects all authorities. All authority comes from God (1 Peter 2:13). Many times human authorities make human mistakes which have a negative impact on us. Our response to this injustice is of great importance to God. Which is more important... my rights or God's reputation? 1 Peter 2:19 states: "For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God." (NIV) Whether the authority is a coach, parent or referee, Calvary will be known by the respect given to those whom God has placed over us, our team or a particular contest. Learning how to accept or appropriately correct an injustice is a key life lesson. Athletes who blame or complain about coaches, referees, or other players will never learn to live above their circumstances. Difference #6: Calvary views athletics as a vehicle to disciple the whole person. Our God created many vehicles intended to teach us about life... drama, music, academics and athletics are a few. We strive to provide an environment through which God's truths can be effectively communicated. In athletics, one experiences all of the human emotions... from joy to sorrow, pride to humility, camaraderie to loneliness. These experiences provide opportunities for godly Christian coaches to come alongside and impart God's truths as to how these situations should be handled. Above all, our coaches and athletic staff strive to be mentors to the young athletes in their charge. |
Main Points
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