Teamwork, discipline, and character-building are important. But can I be real with you? When sports take the place of church, we’re teaching our kids something we never intended to.
We’re telling them that God gets our attention but only when there’s nothing else on the calendar.
What Are We Really Teaching Them?
Your kids are always learning from you. Especially when you’re not speaking. Priorities preach louder than words.
So when Sunday becomes optional because of practice or tournaments, they don’t just hear your excuse. They hear a message:
• “God matters… but not as much as this game.”
• “Worship is important… unless we’re busy.”
• “Jesus is first… until something else comes up.”
And guess what? They’ll carry that same message into adulthood. Except then, it won’t be sports. It’ll be work, hobbies, or convenience.
Don’t get me wrong sports are great. They can teach discipline and teamwork. But only Jesus can teach who they are in Him (Identity), why they are here (Purpose), and where they are going (Eternity).
A trophy can’t heal their brokenness. A scholarship won’t sustain them in life’s storms. But one encounter with Jesus will mark them forever.
What They’ll Miss If They Miss Church
When kids miss church for sports, they aren’t just missing a service. Here are some things they’re missing:
• Worship that softens their heart to God
• Messages that plant truth deep inside them
• Moments at the altar where they hear His voice
• Friendships rooted in faith, not just competition
The enemy doesn’t care how good their life looks, as long as God isn’t in it.
The Window is Short. The Stakes Are High
You have about 18 years with your kids under your roof. But only a handful of years to set their hearts on fire for Jesus.
Because the truth is the games will end, the trophies will collect dust, and scholarships will expire. But their relationship with Jesus will last forever or not at all.
It’s Not About Rules. It’s About Roots
I’m not saying sports are the enemy. What I am saying is anything that takes God’s place is.
So, what if we taught our kids:
• “Church isn’t what we fit in. It’s what we plan around.”
• “We can love sports but we love Jesus more.”
• “If you have to miss a game, you’ll survive. But miss time in God’s presence? That’s a loss we as a family can’t afford.”
God Loves When Families Honor Him
I’ve seen it time and time again when families who choose God over the game don’t lose opportunities. They gain something better. They gain kids with a faith that lasts, a family united in God’s presence, and blessings that only come from putting Him first.
What you prioritize today will shape who they become tomorrow.
So, make the hard call now. Put church first. Show them that Jesus is worth everything. Because one day, they’ll thank you. But more importantly, one day, they’ll know Him.
Unshakable kids. 