"there has only ever been one perfect man, the Lord Jesus, and we killed him. I only missed a putt."
Spiritual Worship
If you are old enough to have seen the film Chariots of Fire, you will remember the words attributed to Eric Liddell. "God made me for a purpose but he also made me fast and when I run I feel his pleasure".
Can a physical act like running give pleasure to God? Paul seems to think so.
Therefore, I urge you brothers, in view of God's mercy, offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, this is your spiritual act of worship. Romans 12:1
Pleasing God is not judged by what anyone else says about our performance. Indeed, it is not even about the trophies we might win. It is doing the best we can with our talents that pleases God.
The Christian who understands what it is to use their talents for God's glory should, rather, be the most committed player in the club because they have the fundamental privilege of doing it for the Lord who gave them those talents.
As Christian sportspeople we must be people who give of our very best in all circumstances, win, lose or draw. I will not be a quitter and will always drive to get the very best out of my performance whether it is a cup final or a training session. This is what "taking care" of the world of sport for God actually requires of us.
South African Olympic swimming Gold medallist, Penny Heyns, has said: "Swimming has in some ways been my 'classroom' where God teaches me so much about his ability and [to have] faith in him. I love the sense of satisfaction that I get when I've done a swimming workout or race, and know that I gave my whole being and heart to God in every moment of the swim. It's the best worship I can offer him. I remember once before an important race I was so tired that I just thought, "I am going to swim up and down and praise the Lord and worship him through my talents, hoping that I could just produce a half decent time".
PS "How you handle fame, success and failure and your perspective on life, is what glorifies God, not the trophies and prizes and acclamation". (Peter Pollock, The Myth of Success, in Today September 1999)