Daily Devotional

I don’t like soccer. Both my boys played soccer in kindergarten, and from that sport I learned a little bit about their personality and competitiveness. Soccer was explained to both my boys the same way. The coach said, “Take this ball down the field without using your hands and put it in the goal and you get a point. The team with the most points wins. And we’re not keeping score.” My older boy, Bobby, worked with his teammates, passing the ball, giving the girls a chance, he even passed it to the opposing team occasionally just to give them a turn. And Bob didn’t care about the score at the end of the game. My younger boy, Alan, was totally different. He heard what it takes to win, and took the ball down the field and kicked it in the goal over-and-over again. To call him a ‘ball hog’ was an understatement. And on the way home, when I asked him if he knew the score, he always did. “Dad, we won 10-2.” Clearly Bob cared less about winning, and more about making sure everyone had fun. But if the coach wanted to win, they’d say, “Give me Alan.”

But I do have some questions. Why is the ‘field’ called a ‘pitch’? Why is ‘zero’ referred to as ‘nil’? And why is ‘soccer’ referred to as ‘football’ in every other country but ours? It’s just hard for me to understand because I never really played it. I played baseball, football and basketball.

The one time I do enjoy watching soccer is when the U.S. is taking on some other national team in the World Cup. I’m chanting, “U.S.A. U.S.A. U.S.A.” And over these last few weeks I have been growing in appreciation. I used to think, “Soccer’s easy. Anyone can kick a ball around a field”. But now I’m realizing how much teamwork, endurance and work it takes to be really good. And that’s not too unlike what it takes to live your life for Christ in the Church.

Here are three ways playing soccer can encourage you in your walk with Christ in the Church.

1. Work as a team
Hebrews 13:16 – “And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”

It takes incredible teamwork to be good at soccer. The passes have to be precise and well-timed for your teammate to get the ball in stride. As followers of Christ in the church, we are called to look out for others, pray for each other, and meet each other's needs. A successful team relies on unselfish play, communication, and being there for support when mistakes are made. So be an encouragement. Today, I want you to think of one teammate at church you can reach out to with a kind word of encouragement. Celebrate the successes of others with a high-five. Communicate in positive ways even when things are difficult. And smile…a lot!

2. Endure through pain
1 Corinthians 9:24 – “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.”

To be good at soccer, it requires intense physical conditioning. Spiritual growth is similar. It takes practice. Be involved in the daily disciplines of Scripture-reading, prayer, and serving others. It all starts with faith in Jesus Christ, accepting what He did at the cross as the only payment for your sin. Then claiming His promises, knowing He is right there with you when painful times occur. He wants you to persevere through fatigue and frustration. Realize it’s not all about pleasing the fans in the stands. You have an audience of one. We play for the Lord!

3. Work hard
Colossians 3:23 – “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men.”

You’ve probably heard the quote, “Winning isn’t everything; it’s the only thing.” And yes, trophies and awards are encouraging, especially if you scored the winning goal. But for a Christian, the goal is to display Christ’s character and love. And that leads to good sportsmanship. Whether you win or lose, your attitude on the field reflects your faith. So as followers of Christ at church, worship and serve with integrity and a humble heart. When decisions are made that you don’t agree with, hang in there, we need you..

While I’ve grown in appreciation for soccer, it will never eclipse baseball, football, and basketball in my sports passion. But I think soccer has a lot to teach us about what it means to be a Christian in the church. Work as a team, endure through pain, and work hard.

New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved.