What is your drive to work in the sport industry? Oftentimes for young professionals, selfish ambition is the driving force behind why they want to work in the industry. In this episode of the Uncommon Podcast, the Director of Digital Engagement with the CAA, Karlie Smith, talks about how Christian young professionals can purify their motives for wanting to work in sports! A new episode of the Uncommon Podcast is released every two weeks. You can find it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, right here on our website, or wherever you get your podcasts. Check out this week's episode, and be sure to subscribe to our podcast to get alerts when new episodes are released! Do you want to join the largest community of future Christian leaders of the college and pro sport industry? Apply to join here or learn more about our community.

Earlier this month, Uncommon Sports Group hosted the first-ever NXT Up Coaches panel event alongside the NABC Convention and other Final Four ministry events to equip the next generations of Christ-centered coaches. During the panel discussion, Associate Head Coach at Coastal Carolina University, Jayson Gee, shared a quote that spoke to remaining humble amidst achieving success: “I think our challenge is a word called humility. Easy word to say, hard word to live. Because, in [coaching] you get a lot of pats on the back and you begin to believe that it’s you that is doing all of it. So, what I try to do myself, and model, and encourage those I have influence over is remind them when they say something, ‘isn’t God good?’” A challenge that every Christian working in the sport industry faces is the temptation to rely too heavily on one’s own abilities to achieve success, and to believe that achieving success is done solely by one’s hard work. Simply put, this struggle is a struggle with the sin of pride. In this blog, we will discuss the danger of overconfidence in one’s own abilities and success in a career in sports and how to remain humble and grounded during seasons of success. The Danger of Pride and Overconfidence It is evident throughout all of Scripture that God is in opposition to people who are proud. The Proverbs are riddled with verses that point out the downfalls of living in the sin of pride. Proverbs 16:5 says, “The Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.” The Lord does not kindly receive prideful behavior. In Daniel chapter 4, we see an example of God opposing and humbling the proud and successful King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar was the longest reigning king of the Babylonian Empire and is regarded as the greatest king of Babylon. In Daniel’s account, King Nebuchadnezzar received a disturbing dream that he required assistance from Daniel to interpret (Daniel 4:1-27). Daniel interpreted the dream to king Nebuchadnezzar and told him that God had issued a decree against him (Daniel 4:24). King Nebuchadnezzar had become a strong, proud, and powerful king (Daniel 4:22). God’s decree against the king was that he would be driven away from his people, live amongst the animals, and no longer rule as king (Daniel 4:25). It was because of King Nebuchadnezzar’s arrogance and pride that God had issued this punishment against him, and it would not be until the King acknowledged the true God and repented of his sin that his kingdom would be restored to him (Daniel 4:26-27). A clear lesson that we can learn from this story is that God opposes the proud, but lifts up the humble (Proverbs 3:34). Like King Nebuchadnezzar, it is tempting to rely on our achievements and to believe that our success is as a result of our own works. The danger of living in a state of pride and overconfidence, as King Nebuchadnezzar was, is that we go against the living God. The Scriptures make it clear that those who are prideful in their actions and success are in opposition to God. In light of this truth and example from Daniel chapter 4, we should be quick to sniff out areas in our lives that are marked by pride. God Honors Humility The sport industry is a place where prideful behavior thrives, and is even encouraged. As an individual achieves more and more success they build a tendency to believe that their success is a result of their own efforts. This mindset breeds selfish behavior and pride. As followers of Christ, we are called to follow a different code when it comes to our earthly success. That uncommon code is to seek to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ through our success, not ourselves. John the Baptist exemplifies this code in John 3:26-30. In John 3:26, the disciples of John the Baptist came to him with a complaint about Jesus. They said that the people were choosing to go to Jesus to be baptized, instead of to John. In John 3:27-30, John the Baptist responds to his disciples: “To this John replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’ The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom's voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. He must become greater; I must become less.” Prior to Jesus’ arrival, John was a popular man. Many people were coming to hear him teach and to be baptized by him (Matthew 3:1-12). As Jesus began His earthly ministry, John’s role greatly changed. No longer was John’s ministry the focal point of the people, but rather Jesus was the person of interest. The sport industry glamorizes the limelight. Being well known, working for a recognizable brand, winning championships, it is all seen as the ultimate goal. John the Baptist was given a moment in the limelight. Many people went to him for baptism and spiritual guidance. He could have believed that those results were produced by his own efforts, and sought his own glory. Rather, John knew that his role was not to be the Messiah, but rather to be sent ahead of him to pave the way. He knew that his role was to decrease his own glory, and allow the glory of Christ to increase. In the same way, as Christians working in sports it is important to be reminded that any and all success that is achieved should be in an effort to increase Christ’s renown and glory, not our own. Conclusion The Scottish catechism states that, “the chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” The code that we are called to as Christians is the code of self-denial. We no longer live for ourselves, but rather we choose to live for the glory of Christ. While the common behavior in the sport industry is to pursue self-glory, the uncommon behavior of the Christian in sports should be to pursue the increase of Christ in all things. Instead of seeking to build an earthly kingdom of our own, as King Nebuchadnezzar did, believers should be seeking to build the kingdom of God with their lives. If you’re unfamiliar with Uncommon Sports Group, its programs, or its ministry, get connected through the form on our home page or check out the Uncommon Podcast. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’d love to hear from you!

Jay Jacobs spent thirty-nine years working in college athletics and thirteen years in the AD chair at Auburn University. In the summer of 2023, Jay officially retired from college athletics. In this episode of the Uncommon Podcast, Jay talks about his career in college sports, how he reached the heights of being an AD at the Power 5 level, how he integrated his faith into his career, and advice for young professionals just getting their start in the industry. A new episode of the Uncommon Podcast is released every two weeks. You can find it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, right here on our website, or wherever you get your podcasts. Check out this week's episode, and be sure to subscribe to our podcast to get alerts when new episodes are released! Do you want to join the largest community of future Christian leaders of the college and pro sport industry? Apply to join here or learn more about our community.

Uncommon Sports Group seeks to develop Christ-centered future leaders of the college and pro sport industry. A large part of how USG develops future leaders of sport is by funding its members to attend conferences, conventions, and events that develop them spiritually and professionally. Earlier this month, USG attended the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Convention in Phoenix, AZ, with a group of ten of its members. The NABC Convention offers aspiring and present college basketball coaches the opportunity to expand their knowledge of the game, develop their skills as coaches, and network with coaches nationwide. Rusty Watson was able to receive funding to attend the convention alongside USG. Rusty is a USG member and a high school basketball coach with aspirations to coach at the college level. Below is a testimony from Rusty reflecting on his experience at the NABC Convention: "Getting to attend the final four [week] with USG is an experience I will forever be thankful for. I am so thankful to Noah and Mikey for leading us and planning everything out. The relationships built during my time there will last a lifetime and go way past basketball. I loved diving into the book of James every day with guys from different backgrounds. It really gives us an opportunity to grow and hear different perspectives. Opening Scripture and asking hard questions really gives us an opportunity to grow personally and as a group. It's refreshing to know there are guys going through some of the same struggles and some guys who have made it through some of the current struggles in the basketball world, and that Scripture brought us all together. It reveals that The Lord is faithful and has a plan for all of us. The community aspect of the trip is my favorite part. Getting coffee together, doing a service project together, eating meals together, and hiking a mountain together really allowed us to grow as brothers and experience a good Godly community. This is a trip I look forward to every year, not just for professional development but for doing life together with fellow believers that are in the basketball world." Seeing how the Lord impacted Rusty and the entire group of future Christ-centered coaches at the 2024 NABC Convention is encouraging! If you're interested in learning more about Uncommon Sports Group and how we can support you as a Christian in the sports industry, click here to contact us or click here to see how you can get involved in our community.

Uncommon Sports Group seeks to develop Christ-centered future leaders of the college and pro sport industry. A large part of how USG develops future leaders of sport is by funding its members to attend conferences, conventions, and events that develop them spiritually and professionally. USG attended the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) Convention in Cleveland, OH earlier this month. The WBCA Convention allows current and aspiring women's basketball coaches to connect with peers, learn from the best, recognize coaches who excelled during the season, and grow as coaches. Alexis Uffmann, a USG member and NCAA D1 women's basketball assistant coach, attended the WBCA Convention alongside USG. Below is a testimony from Alexis on her experience at the WBCA Convention: "When I first heard about Uncommon Sports Group, I knew that it sounded like an amazing organization, but I had no idea how much of an impact it would have on my life in one year. The most recent blessing USG provided me with was funding my trip to the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association Final Four in Cleveland, OH. Without USG, it simply would not have been possible for me to attend this professional development and networking opportunity due to all the expenses. I’m thankful I was able to attend because while I was there, I was able to learn from tenured professionals while reconnecting with old friends in the business and meeting new ones. I was able to meet individuals from across the country who are involved spiritually on campuses nationwide. I had the privilege of meeting the Team Chaplain for the Atlanta Dream at a connections event, and her prayers over all student-athletes were so powerful. It is a prayer that I will continue to pray long after the convention has concluded. I also met an individual who just recently joined USG, but she lives in the city I am about to move to. Because I was staying with Uncommon Sports Group, it also opened a lot of doors to share my positive experience with the organization and about my faith as a whole with individuals whom I had known for a long time but had not had faith-based conversations with before in the workplace. The weekend was truly a gift from The Lord, and I am incredibly thankful to USG and the people who work there. My spiritual life has grown significantly this past year, and I am able to speak boldly in my faith to individuals in the profession, thanks to the confidence and connections USG has blessed me with. Seeing how God used the WBCA Convention to challenge, encourage, and grow Alexis spiritually and professionally was so encouraging! We are grateful to Alexis for her testimony and commitment to serving Christ through the sport industry. If you're interested in learning more about Uncommon Sports Group and how we can support you as a Christian in the sports industry, click here to contact us or click here to see how you can get involved in our community.

During the 2024 NABC Convention in Phoenix, AZ, Uncommon Sports Group hosted a panel titled NXT Up Coaches: Equipping the Next Generations of Christ-Centered Leaders. The panel was hosted by the Director of Media at Sports Spectrum, Jason Romano, and featured an experienced and Christ-centered group of panelists: Leonard Hamilton, Head Coach at Florida State University; Jayson Gee, Associate Head Coach at Coastal Carolina University; Chris Flegler, Director of Basketball Operations at St. Joseph’s University; and Chelsea Mangino, Chief of Staff at Liberty University. In this podcast, you'll be able to listen to the panel discuss some important topics surrounding being a Christian working as a men's college basketball coach, including living on mission for Christ as a coach, having Godly conduct in your coaching style, and more! A new episode of the Uncommon Podcast is released every two weeks. You can find it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, right here on our website, or wherever you get your podcasts. Check out this week's episode, and be sure to subscribe to our podcast to get alerts when new episodes are released! Do you want to join the largest community of future Christian leaders of the college and pro sport industry? Apply to join here!

Uncommon Sports Group seeks to develop Christ-centered future leaders of the college and pro sport industry. A large part of how USG develops future leaders of sport is by funding its members to attend conferences, conventions, and events that develop them spiritually and professionally. Earlier this month, USG attended the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Convention in Phoenix, AZ, with a group of ten of its members. The NABC Convention offers aspiring and present college basketball coaches the opportunity to expand their knowledge of the game, develop their skills as coaches, and network with coaches nationwide. Two of our attendees from the trip were Josh Decker, aspiring to work in men's college basketball, and Brady Flynn, an Assistant Coach with the men's basketball team at Crowley's Ridge College. Below are testimonies from Josh and Brady on their experiences at the NABC Convention: "I’m very thankful for the opportunity to have been able to go to Phoenix and the NABC Convention with USG. I got to meet lots of new people and also reconnect with friends & coaches I met last year. This trip provided the unique ability to grow professionally while also growing in my faith with other believers. Our group went through a Bible study in the book of James and had intentional time of fellowship throughout the week. Being able to dive into Scripture together and encourage one another was one of the highlights of the trip for me. We also went hiking at Camelback Mountain one day, which was a fun time hanging out and enjoying the Lord’s creation. Getting to hear from Christian coaches at speaking panels throughout the week was great and allowed me to connect with other coaches in the industry. Very grateful to have been able to go on this trip with USG and a great group of guys!"- Josh Decker, USG member and aspiring college basketball coach "Getting to attend the Men’s Final Four in Phoenix, AZ, was an amazing experience. USG was able to serve me by mainstreaming my travel and lodging expenses. Had it not been for USG, my experience would have looked a lot different. There are so many great people involved in USG and they make the fellowship on trips like this so much more impactful on my life. Spiritual growth for me, starts with the people I’m around. USG serves a common purpose and that is bringing people in the sport industry together. There is evident planning and coordination among the people working at USG, and that’s why experiences like the Men’s Final Four turn out the way they did. I’d highly recommend becoming a USG member because I’m living proof that it can have a lasting impact on your life!"- Brady Flynn, USG member and Assistant MBB Coach at Crowley's Ridge College Seeing how the Lord impacted this group of future Christ-centered coaches at the 2024 NABC Convention is encouraging! If you're interested in learning more about Uncommon Sports Group and how we can support you as a Christian in the sports industry, click here to contact us or click here to see how you can get involved in our community.

It is difficult to know what God calls us to do in our professional lives. Many young people lack clarity in their career direction and desire to receive direction from the Lord. In this episode of the Uncommon Podcast, renowned sports agent and founder of KMM Sports, Kelli Masters, shares her story about receiving a calling to become a sports agent and how young people can gain clarity as to where God is calling them in their professional lives. A new episode of the Uncommon Podcast is released every two weeks. You can find it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, right here on our website, or wherever you get your podcasts. Check out this week's episode, and be sure to subscribe to our podcast to get alerts when new episodes are released! Do you want to join the largest community of future Christian leaders of the college and pro sport industry? Apply to join here!

This past week, Uncommon Sports Group hosted a group of ten members at the NABC (National Association of Basketball Coaches) in Phoenix, AZ, alongside the men’s college basketball Final Four weekend. Each of the USG members who attended is presently working or desiring to work as a college basketball coach. Because of the many faithful Clean Out For A Cause® donors, USG was able to provide funding for the travel and lodging expenses of each member who attended the convention. The NABC Convention was held in downtown Phoenix at the Phoenix Convention Center from April 4th to April 8th. The convention offers aspiring and present college basketball coaches opportunities to expand their knowledge of the game, develop their skills as coaches, and network with coaches from across the country. The convention kicked off on Thursday, April 4th. Uncommon Sports Group partnered with Athletes in Action (AIA) to share a booth in the exhibitor’s area of the convention. USG staff members Noah Weiss and Michael Carpenter were stationed at the booth to share about USG with prospective members and to steward relationships with present members and friends of the ministry. On Friday, April 5th, Uncommon Sports Group had the opportunity to host a ministry event in the convention center titled NXT Up Coaches: Equipping the Next Generations of Christ-Centered Coaches. This was the first time that USG hosted a ministry event during the NABC Convention and Final Four weekend. The panel featured four Christ-centered and experienced college basketball coaches: Leonard Hamilton, Head Coach at Florida State University; Jayson Gee, Associate Head Coach at Coastal Carolina University; Chris Flegler, Director of Basketball Operations at St. Joseph’s University; and Chelsea Mangino, Chief of Staff at Liberty University. The panel was hosted by Jason Romano, the Director of Media at Sports Spectrum. The discussion centered on “living on mission as a coach with an eternal mindset.” The panelists challenged, equipped, and encouraged those who attended to make their career in coaching a ministry for Christ and to coach with an eternal purpose, as opposed to the common pattern of coaching with a temporal purpose. USG's group attended the Athletes in Action (AIA) John Wooden Keys to Life breakfast on Saturday, April 6th. AIA presents the Coach John Wooden “Keys to Life” Award each year at this breakfast. The Coach Wooden “Keys to Life” Award is presented to a player or coach who best exemplifies character, leadership, and faith in the home, on the court, and throughout the community. This year's recipient was former NBA head coach Lionel Hollins. The breakfast also provides a space for Christ-centered coaches within the college basketball space to be vocal about their faith. At the end of the breakfast, Grand Canyon University’s head basketball coach, Bryce Drew, shared the gospel message with those in attendance. Some other highlights from the week in Phoenix included the devotional time through the book of James that provided a space for our members to intentionally study God’s word together and be challenged in their personal walks with Christ. The group also had an opportunity to connect with one another during our Camelback mountain hike on Sunday, April 7th. Finally, the week wrapped up on Monday, April 8th, with a group service project at Feed My Starving Children in Mesa, AZ. As each attendee heads back to their respective locations, they are equipped and encouraged to be lights for Christ in their roles as coaches, graduate assistants, and student managers. We are excited to see these young men and USG members continue to be Christ-centered leaders within the college basketball world! If you want to have an experience like this one and join USG’s community of Christians working in college and pro sports, tap this link to learn how to get involved. If you want to learn more about our organization, contact a staff member here!

Earlier this month, Uncommon Sports Group hosted a group of two members at the WBCA (Women's Basketball Coaches Association) in Cleveland, OH, alongside the women's college basketball Final Four weekend. Each USG member who attended presently works or desires to work as a college basketball coach. Because of the many faithful Clean Out For A Cause® donors, USG was able to provide funding for the travel and lodging expenses of each member who attended the convention. The WBCA Convention was held in downtown Cleveland at the Huntington Convention Center from April 3rd to April 6th. The convention allows current and aspiring women's basketball coaches to connect with peers, learn from the best, recognize coaches who excelled during the season, and grow as coaches. USG had eight members who attended the event, two of whom were fully funded and are all currently coaching women’s college basketball. The convention allowed people to connect with friends and coworkers they haven't seen in a while, learn from some of the best coaches, and grow and learn different ways to mentor and coach their players. The convention offered breakout sessions to expand their knowledge on different ways to train and coach players, how not to get burnt out, and how to stay grounded while coaching. A lot of our members were able to network with coaches from all over the country who were willing to give them advice and help them navigate their future in the industry. On Friday morning, USG partnered with a few other sports ministries to put on a morning prayer gathering for coaches to join. We met at a local YMCA for an hour on Friday and prayed for the sport industry, the coaches, and the players. The Director and Manager of the YMCA came in and talked to us for a while, and they felt God leading them to sing a worship song with us. USG shared a booth with Athletes in Action (AIA) at the convention, allowing us to collaborate and make connections. We had the opportunity to touch base with current members at USG, whom we were able to get to know better and encourage as they continue their journey through the industry. We also spent time with some of the members outside of the convention for a meal during the women's Final Four games. On Saturday Morning, we had another Prayer Gathering where a few more people could join us. We had a moment to relax and reset in small groups, and one of the AIA members led us through a verse, some conversation, and prayer time. It was a cool opportunity for present leaders and coaches in the industry to speak about the lives of future coaches, encourage them, and pray for each other's needs. As each attendee heads back to their respective locations, they are equipped and encouraged to be lights for Christ in their roles as coaches, graduate assistants, and student managers. We are excited to see these young men and women continue to be Christ-centered leaders within the women's college basketball world! If you want to have an experience like this one and join USG’s community of Christians working in college and pro sports, tap this link to learn how to get involved. If you want to learn more about our organization, contact a staff member here!

The Easter weekend always begins with Good Friday. Before the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection on Sunday, believers spend Friday reflecting on the barbaric death that He had to face on the cross. So, what makes Good Friday good if the entire day is centered on remembering the unjust and gruesome death of the Lord Jesus Christ? In this blog, we’ll share why Good Friday is good and the vital role that the death of Christ plays in the Easter Sunday celebration. Obedience Good Friday is only possible because Jesus was obedient to the will of God the Father. Isaiah 53:10 states the will of God the Father for His Messiah, “Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the Lord makes his life an offering for sin, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand.” From the beginning, 700-plus years before Jesus was even born, the Scriptures made it clear that the Messiah would be crushed for the sins of mankind. Jesus affirmed that His purpose as Messiah was to be crushed during His earthly ministry when He predicted His death on the cross three distinct times (Matthew 16:21, Mark 9:30-32, Matthew 20:17-19). In each prediction, Jesus shared that He would suffer, be mocked, be crucified, and be raised from the dead on the third day. How does this help us see the goodness in Good Friday? Well, it encourages us that though the death of Christ was brutal and unjust, it was a part of God’s sovereign plan for the Messiah. From the words of Isaiah to the predictions of Jesus, it is evident that the cross was not an accident but a purposeful plan that God the Father had put into place for God the Son to accomplish. Though Jesus knew His earthly ministry would be encapsulated in death on the cross, it still required His obedience. It is important to remember the essential elements of the doctrine of incarnation, which states that Jesus was both fully God and fully man during His time on earth. Hebrews 4:14-16 teaches us that because Jesus took on a human nature, He dealt with the same temptations that we face, and therefore, He can sympathize with us. So, it is safe to assume that Jesus experienced temptations to avoid the difficult task of obedience to God the Father's will for His life. Philippians 2:8 tells us, “And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death- even death on a cross.!” We get insight into the mind of Jesus the night before He died while praying in the garden of Gethsemane in Matthew 26:46. In these verses, we see Jesus battling in prayer with His Father about the difficult task that He knew was coming. He prayed twice to the Father that the cup of suffering would be taken from Him, but not that His will would be done, but the will of the Father (Matthew 26:39). The beauty of Good Friday is that Jesus was obedient to the point of death! He did not deny His Father's will but walked in perfect obedience throughout His life, which makes it glorious because it was this final act of obedience that accomplished salvation for all those who believe in Him. Atonement As important as the obedience of Christ to the point of death was, it truly is what was accomplished through that obedience that makes the obedience noteworthy! The Scriptures reveal that mankind has a sin problem. The unrighteous acts of man cause separation from God and put them under His righteous judgment. Romans 3:23 teaches that all people have sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God. Therefore, if all have sinned, all are under the judgment of God. This is a frightening reality if we consider the consequences of God’s judgment. The situation is hopeless without intervention from God Himself. This is why Good Friday is so good. It is the death of Christ that satisfies the wrath and judgment of God against the sin of mankind, providing atonement for all past, present, and future sins for all those who believe. Isaiah 53:5-6 predicts Christ's atoning work: "But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” On the cross, Jesus was given the punishment that we should receive for our sins. He was crushed for our iniquities. A key attribute of the God of the Bible is that He is just, and because He is just, He cannot leave sin unpunished. Therefore, because there had to be a payment for the sins of mankind to restore us to a right relationship with God, He offered His Son as the once-for-all atonement for sins. The cross was where that atonement happened, and it was on Good Friday when that hefty price for our sin was paid in full. Hope John 19:30 says, “When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” It was at that moment that Jesus finished the work of atonement on Good Friday and finished the work that God the Father commanded Him to do. In these last words from Jesus, we are once again reminded why Good Friday is so good. Jesus Christ, through His work on the cross, paid the price for sin. Romans 5:8-9 says, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!” These two verses teach us that Good Friday gives us hope. While we were still sinners, unable to achieve righteousness on our own, Christ did the work to pay the debt we owed God for our sins and impart His perfect righteousness onto us (2 Corinthians 5:21). Furthermore, we have been justified and saved from God’s wrath through the work that Christ did on the cross. We are no longer bound to the punishments that our sins deserve and are subject to the wrath of God, but rather, we are saved from it and are justified as righteous in His sight! Conclusion Good Friday is a time to remember what Jesus had to endure to reconcile sinful people, like you and me, back to God. His death was brutal and unjust, but it was a part of God’s sovereign plan of salvation. Jesus was obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross (Philippians 2:8). Through His obedience, we can deem Good Friday to be great because it is only through Good Friday that we can celebrate Easter Sunday. If Christ does not die, we are still in our sins and are of all people most to be pitied (1 Corinthians 15:19). So, as we reflect on this Good Friday on the death of our Lord Jesus Christ, let us not mourn but be grateful for the atonement that Christ provided for all those who believe. If you’re unfamiliar with Uncommon Sports Group, its programs, or its ministry, get connected through the form on our home page or check out the Uncommon Podcast. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’d love to hear from you!

Sports betting has grown exponentially since its widespread legalization across the United States. According to research by Statista, the online sports betting market is expected to achieve $9.65 billion in revenue this year and the number of users in the market is projected to reach 52 million people by 2028. As sports betting increases in popularity, Christians who are working in sports or simply fans of sports are faced with the question, “Should I be involved in sports betting as a follower of Jesus?” In this blog, we will look to God’s eternally perfect Word to provide an answer to this question and help guide professionals to make a God-honoring decision regarding this difficult topic. Contentment The Scriptures do not specifically mention gambling in the way that we know it in the 21st century. However, there are a plethora of verses that help guide us in spending money, which can be applied to gambling. In 1 Timothy 6:6-8, Paul teaches on contentment. “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.” Contentment is a theme throughout Paul's teachings. His most famous teaching on contentment is found in Philippians 4:12-13, in which he states that he has learned to be content in every situation, being strengthened by Christ to endure all things. Paul’s teaching in 1 Timothy 6:6-8 applies a similar principle: the Christian must learn and practice contentment. It is obvious that the goal of sports betting, or any form of gambling, is to increase wealth. You place a bet in hopes that your return will be higher than your investment. The question that the Christian must ask is, why am I engaging in sports betting? If we apply Paul’s teaching to our lives, we can conclude that our goal should be to live in a constant state of contentment for what the Lord has provided us with. Verse 6 says, “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” While the goal for those who engage in sports betting is to receive financial gains, the goal of the Christian should be contentment for all that the Lord has provided us with. Paul states in verse 8, “But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.” Our contentment honors the Lord because it displays faith in His provision with no extracurricular efforts of our own. Furthermore, contentment displays to non-Christians the great joy and satisfaction of a relationship with Christ. The Root of All Evil In 1 Timothy 6:9-10, Paul teaches, “Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” Paul provides a clear warning for those who desire to become wealthy. A love for money is a trap and temptation that leads to ruin. Furthermore, Paul warns that an eagerness for money has caused people to wander from faith in Christ and become pierced with many griefs. In light of this warning, the Christian should be cautious in their approach to sports betting. Does the euphoria of sports betting cause me to fall into the trap that Paul speaks of? Does my love for sports betting cause me to wander from my allegiance to Christ? Does my love for sports betting lead me into sinful behaviors that will not only hurt myself but others? Followers of Christ should heed Paul’s warning in 1 Timothy 6. Desires for monetary wealth conflict with our allegiance to Christ and lead us into an idolatry that will never satisfy but rather lead us into harmful desires and many griefs. When considering sports betting, Christians should consider Paul’s warning, as well as recognize that the love of money is the root of all evil. Stewardship Psalm 24:1 reminds us that everything on the earth belongs to the Lord, including our finances. Therefore, it is a responsibility for the Christian to be a good steward of the finances that God provides. In Matthew 6:24, Jesus says, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” As followers of Christ, we acknowledge that He is the Lord over our lives. He is our Master in everything, including being the Master of our wallets. If that is the case, then the manner in which we use our finances should reflect devotion to the Lord and His purposes in the world. The simple question we should be asking ourselves as Christians in relation to sports betting and financial stewardship is, “How does placing bets on sporting events benefit the kingdom of God?” If we are honest, sports betting does not advance or serve God’s kingdom and purposes in the world. Considering our responsibility to be good stewards of our finances, Christians must submit their spending to the Lord and allow Him to be the Master over their finances. In doing this, our spending will become eternally focused and responsible, honoring the Lord and the gift of finances that He has provided us with. Conclusion Sports betting has gained immense popularity as of late, and its impact is sweeping the sport industry for better or worse. As Christians, our foremost mission should be to honor the Lord Jesus in our actions. Considering sports betting, our desire should be to have contentment in the finances that God has provided us with, to avoid the temptation and danger of desiring money, and to be faithful stewards of the earthly riches that God has provided us with. Be encouraged that God has called us to live righteously before Him for His glory and to do so in every area of our lives, including sports betting. If you struggle in this area, do not be discouraged! The Scriptures are clear that there is grace for every believer who falls short of God’s glorious standard (Hebrews 4:14-16). Approach His throne of grace with confidence and a desire to live righteous lives before Him. If you’re unfamiliar with Uncommon Sports Group, its programs, or its ministry, get connected through the form on our home page or check out the Uncommon Podcast. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’d love to hear from you!