Our sons played soccer in junior high and high school. While neither was a star forward, we encouraged them to play this sport because it provided an outlet for their energy, making sure that they were able to run up and down the field. One of them opted out of soccer his senior year, only to lament this decision later.

The lessons our sons learned included the fact that it takes a team to win a game, and not just an individual; that you had to be prepared for the unexpected; and that you had to do your very best no matter what. Like most teenagers, our sons did not particularly focus on doing their best in homework, but this sport taught them that doing so was important.

God’s desire is for us to do our best for His glory. His kingdom does not depend on our doing so, but it is advanced by this. For example, the story of our adoption by our Heavenly Father needs to be rehearsed throughout our lives so that others can hear about the love of God. Life, like soccer, throws us some curve balls, and the person who is prepared to do his best will be ready when these come along.

The idea of doing one’s best also applies when our children get older and begin to enter the work world. Who wants to hire someone who is simply showing up for a paycheck? All children need to learn the value of work, both from a personal perspective and a social perspective. Playing soccer reinforced the idea that our children had to work hard in order to play well, and that other people depend on us to do so.

How has playing sports helped your children learn to do their best in life? Please write your ideas in the comment box.