In America we like sports. Baseball, once America’s favorite pastime, now has fierce competition with the National Basketball Association and the National Football League. A spectator sport is any sport that is usually associated with people watching. The most watched sport on the planet is Soccer (a.k.a. Football), though I would not recommend “following a multitude to do evil” (Ex. 23:2).
No matter what your sport of choice is, have you ever considered your walk as a Christian a spectator sport? Paul did in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27—“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.” In this text he highlights self-control and discipline. Both the athlete and the Christian need these for the longevity and endurance that is required of both. “Let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Heb. 12:1).
Who are the spectators? This passage in 1 Corinthians 9 eludes to two. The first is He who gives the crown or wreath. If we are to run in such a way to receive a wreath, who is it that gives us said wreath? The Bible says, “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, Watching the evil and the good” (Prov. 15:3). “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done” (2 Cor. 5:10). God sees all and will give the faithful a crown: “in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing” (2 Tim. 4:8).
The second group of spectators are the “others.” Paul said, “after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.” What must be understood is that we should be talking to “others” about Christ. It is obvious that those “others” will be watching us. Our good works are to be seen by men to glorify God: “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 5:16).
Knowing that God is ever vigilant and that people are watching how we live our lives, we should be compelled to do more to glorify God. Not motivated by fear but motivated by love for the spectators.