Many people derive simple enjoyment and innocent pleasure from watching or participating in athletics. We can also look to such activities for hints on how to confront difficulties and challenges in a way that can further our spiritual progress in Christian Science. Why not view human difficulties as promoting our spiritual education, and so benefit by lessons to be learned from athletic contests and games? The Apostle Paul makes use of this metaphor when he says: "Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: but I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection."I Cor. 9:24-27 .
Metaphysical as well as athletic activities are most successful and enjoyable when done correctly. For example, development of skill in many sports requires "follow-through," which might be likened to the persistence needed in prayerful work. In the Bible we read about Jacob, who wrestled all night. He had been holding fearful personal beliefs about himself and his brother man. Finally he glimpsed the light of Christ, Truth, which reveals man's spiritual identity in the likeness of divine Spirit. Instead of relaxing too soon and pausing at his first signs of progress, Jacob held fast to that blessed light of spiritual perception until certain of his way. He said to the angel thought of spiritual reality, "I will not let thee go, except thou bless me."Gen. 32:26 . As a result of this persistence, he gained a clearer idea of spiritual man as God's likeness. Later he could say with joy and love to his brother, "I have seen thy face, as though I had seen the face of God."Gen. 33:10 .
Alertness and promptness in responding properly to aggressive attacks are qualities that can be crucial, not only in competitive games but also in defending our thoughts against the erroneous, confusing suggestions of materiality. It is not wise to lower our mental guard and thus court trouble by forgetting or ignoring the invincible security and dominion available through an understanding of divine Truth. To know and understand that in spiritual actuality there can be no power with any authority or presence opposed to God establishes the basis for invulnerable defense.
