Chapter 6 - Parents, Children, and the Glory of God

Back to Game Day for the Glory of God by Stephen Altrogge. Chapter six is my favorite chapter in the book. It is a clarion call for all parents to use sports as a tool for training their children in godliness. Altrogge makes this observation: "When children play sports, they learn values and priorities that will stay with them throughout their entire lives. In the heat of competition attitudes are forged. But these attitudes aren't formed independently. They are shaped by friends, parents, and coaches. Children are like sponges, soaking up everything that goes on around them. Values and priorities held by parents will be transferred to their children." (pg. 86) With these truths serving as a foundation, Altrogge identifies three specific ways parents can help their children grow in godliness while on the playing field.

1. Help Your Children Savor Christ
"Something small and seemingly insignificant, such as the desire to play sports, can quickly become idolatrous. If it isn't addressed quickly, this desire can become all-consuming, stealing away any love they have for the Lord." (pg. 87)

2. Help Your Children Set Godly Priorities
Altrogge reviews the four priorities outlined in chapter 4: Humility, Passion, Trust, and Dependence upon God. He looks at each of these priorities with a specific emphasis on a parent's relationship with their children.

3. Help Your Children See the Big Picture
"As Christians we must strive to maintain a biblical perspective on sports and to help our children do the same. Without this perspective our children may place too high a priority on sports while neglecting things that are far more important." (pg. 96)
Altrogge then gives us this simple list of biblical priorities: God, Family, and Church.

This is definitely a powerful chapter that carries a timely message. In a day when sports has become an all-consuming passion for many Christians, it is more important than ever for us to keep sports in their place. We can either use sports as a tool for training in godliness or they can quickly become a liability in our walk with God.