Don't Waste Your Sports by C.J. Mahaney Summary

Don't Waste Your Sports by C.J. Mahaney offers a biblical framework for Christian athletes to approach sports as worship, emphasizing 1 Corinthians 10:31: “Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” The book challenges athletes to reject self-glorification and idolatry, instead using sports to draw attention to God’s greatness through gratitude, humility, and service.

This book is ideal for Christian athletes, parents, coaches, and youth leaders seeking to align sports with faith. It provides practical guidance for balancing competitive drive with spiritual growth, making it relevant for anyone involved in athletics at amateur or professional levels.

Mahaney roots his message in 1 Corinthians 10:31, urging athletes to view every game or practice as an act of worship. He warns against idolizing athletic success and encourages traits like humility, gratitude, and teamwork as reflections of God’s character.

The book identifies sports idolatry as prioritizing personal achievement or validation over God’s glory. Mahaney calls readers to repent of self-centered motivations and reorient their efforts toward honoring God, whether in victory or defeat.

Mahaney suggests athletes:

• Pray before and after competitions
• Celebrate others’ successes
• Acknowledge mistakes openly
• Serve teammates selflessly

These actions shift focus from personal glory to God’s supremacy.

Yes, the book includes targeted questions for athletes and parents, such as “How can I cultivate humility during training?” and “Are we prioritizing sports over church commitments?” These prompts facilitate self-reflection and group discussions.

Unlike Mahaney’s works on marriage (Sex, Romance, and the Glory of God) or theology (The Cross-Centered Life), this booklet applies his signature gospel-centered approach specifically to athletics, making it a niche but impactful resource.

Some readers note the book’s brevity (64 pages) leaves deeper theological or practical questions unanswered. However, most praise its focused message as ideal for busy athletes and parents.

As youth sports intensify and athlete mental health declines, Mahaney’s call to redefine success through eternal values—rather than rankings or scholarships—offers a countercultural perspective for families navigating competitive cultures.

Absolutely. Churches, teams, and FCA groups use its concise chapters and discussion questions for Bible studies. The audiobook version (under 1 hour) also works for solo reflection.

“Every play, every inning, every race becomes an opportunity to draw attention to God.” This line encapsulates Mahaney’s thesis that sports are a platform for worship, not self-promotion.

Mahaney urges parents to model Christ-like attitudes, avoid living vicariously through their children’s achievements, and prioritize spiritual growth over athletic success. The included parent-specific questions help families align their priorities.