06/08/2026
First off watch the video.
But with that said, I love watching my kids play sports.
I love the hustle, the friendships, the lessons, the ridiculous sideline chairs, and the parents pretending we are not emotionally invested in a 9 year old’s jump shot.
Sports can teach children real things. Teamwork matters. Discipline matters. Showing up when you are tired matters. Being part of something bigger than yourself matters.
But here is the question.
If we can give our children all of that for a game, why are we so hesitant to give them God?
We find the money when it matters. We find the time when it matters. We wake up early, drive ridiculous distances, rearrange whole weekends, and sit in folding chairs that feel like a medieval punishment device.
So maybe church is not asking too much.
Maybe we have started expecting too little from our relationship with God.
That is the part worth sitting with.
Our children are watching. They notice what we protect, what we sacrifice for, what we never miss, and what disappears from the calendar the moment life gets busy. Long before they can explain our priorities, they are learning them.
And if the most protected things in family life are games, parties, tournaments, practices, and everything else that fills a weekend, then we should not be shocked when faith becomes optional to them later on.
Not because they are bad.
Because they were paying attention.
Jesus did not say, “Fit me in when the weekend clears up.”
He said, “Follow me.”
He did not say, “Do this in memory of me unless there is an early game.”
He said, “Do this in memory of me.”
So yes, cheer for your kids. Sign them up. Bring the orange slices. Wear the team hoodie like you are one injury away from being called into the game.
But be honest about what is forming your family.
One day the games will end. The trophies will collect dust. The uniforms will be too small. The schedule will change.
But their souls will remain.
Christ is not asking for our leftovers.
He is asking for our hearts.
