When it comes to sports, it is up to us to teach our kids that their athletic pursuits are not of ultimate priority, but gifts to be enjoyed by God. As fathers, there’s a danger we must be aware of: The temptation to make a god out of sports, placing our children's athletic pursuits above their spiritual well-being. It’s an easy trap to fall into, especially in a culture that glorifies athletic success. While the chances of your child becoming a professional athlete are 0.02%. The chances of them standing before a holy God are 100%.

Sports can be a good thing— teaching discipline, teamwork, and perseverance— but it should never take precedence over the most important aspect of life: your child’s relationship with God. The stakes are eternal.

Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other.” Matthew 6:24. If we are not careful, sports can become a “master” in our lives and the lives of our children. Weekend games, early morning practices, and travel leagues can quickly consume time that should be spent worshipping God and serving the church. Instead of raising children who know, love, and serve God, we risk raising children who see their identity solely through the lens of their athletic performance.

Here’s the challenge: The same energy you bring to your child’s athletic pursuits, bring that energy and more to their spiritual life. If you’re the loudest cheerleader on the sidelines, make sure you’re just as passionate about leading your child in prayer, reading the Bible together, and attending church as a family. Teach them to seek first the Kingdom of God. Your role as a father is not just to prepare your child for success in this world, but to prepare them for eternity. As a father, you have the privilege of shaping your child’s heart and soul. Make sure you’re pointing them toward what truly matters: a life of faith, love, and obedience to Christ. Sports are temporary, but the Kingdom of God is eternal.

Stepping Off The Crazy Train: Loving & Leading A Counter-Cultural Life is a new IMPACT Cohort study for men who want to grow as husbands, fathers, and leaders. If you are a man seeking sanity in the pace and priorities of your life, family and career, we encourage you to join or start an IMPACT Cohort and participate in this 7 week study. Take action here.