by David Halbrook
Synopsis: Reflecting on the role that sports played in his youth, David recognizes the trade-offs that result from our priorities and expresses thanks for the blessing of being raised in a godly home that placed a premium upon spiritual growth.
By the age of thirteen, I had been selected for the Little League All-Star team several years in a row, and both hoped and expected to be able to continue. Yet, my experiences in sports were not quite as successful in the following years, which disappointed me. At that phase of my life, sports were very important to me—not more important than being a Christian—but still pretty important. As I have looked back, I have wondered why my early success did not continue. Most likely, I was an early bloomer who was soon surpassed by more talented athletes. I believe there’s another contributing factor, and, as is in vogue today, in part I blame my parents for my lack of continued success.
Do not misunderstand—my parents took me to practices and games and gave me individual attention. They showed an interest in my areas of interest without pressure while making the final decision for the activities of each member of their house (Josh. 24:15). Yet, they could have spent more time in the early mornings and evenings honing my athletic skills.
Of course, that would have meant less time reading the Bible and praying together (2 Tim. 3:15). Since there were three of us children, it might have meant my parents spent less time with my brother or sister, but after all, am I my sibling’s keeper (Gen. 4:9)? It would have meant fewer opportunities to visit gospel meetings in the area, where I could meet other Christians, young and old, who, over time, I came to recognize when they would come to our meetings, or who would coincidentally be visiting the same gospel meeting that we attended. After all, they were not members of the same local church, as was I. So I did not have a real responsibility toward them (1 Pet. 2:17). To stir up my teammates and maintain my commitment to my team, I would have had to miss some nights of gospel meetings and Sunday or Wednesday assemblies and classes (Heb. 10:24-25). It would have meant even less time was available to be with other Christians my age (outside of the church’s assembly) who were not on my athletic teams. (Isn’t it odd how some parents want to find a local church “with young people,” but then they make little effort for their children to be with other young people outside of the assembly?) Those things are a small price to pay for the joy of athletic success, right? Yep, my parents are to blame.
Again, be sure you understand—my parents spent money which allowed me to participate in the sports I was permitted to play. However, if they had spent more, I might have been better. I once heard a mother call a financial advice call-in radio show. She asked whether it was fair to ask her fiancée to share the $500/week ($25,000/year) costs of figure-skating lessons for her daughter (she said that she made $80,000 per year). Maybe if my parents had spent just $100/week on improving my athletic skills, then I could have kept up with the competition.
Of course, doing so might have required that they contribute a smaller portion of their income to the Lord’s local work (1 Cor. 16:1-2)—but not necessarily. My mom could have done some extra work on the side, selling her delicious cinnamon rolls. After all, the virtuous woman of Proverbs 31 was probably making and selling garments so that her children could have the luxuries of life (Prov. 31:24). Maybe mom would not have been able to participate in Bible studies with other women, but, after all, are those commanded anyway (Titus 2:3-5)? Maybe she would have had less time to develop close spiritual relationships with other Christians, take food to the sick or bereaved or do other good works (1 Tim. 5:10)—but she would still be giving her son (who already had health, friends, school work, video games, books, etc.) things that he hoped for as any “good mother” would do, right? Or, she would not have had to make any of those sacrifices—Dad could! (Need I list all that Dad could have given up?)
Instead, only my Dad’s work resulted in regular income. From that, my parents chose to regularly give to the Lord, as He allowed them to prosper (1 Cor. 16:2). They had money to give to individuals whom they knew were in need (Eph. 4:28). They lived within their means and taught us to do the same. They avoided the debt which adds pressure to the husband who works, the wife who shops, and the regular financial discussions and decisions—all of which take a mental, emotional, and often a spiritual toll on each individual and the family as a whole. After all, everyone has a cross to bear, and anything is worth the smile on a child’s face, for whom hundreds of dollars are annually spent on athletics, right?
Parents, I hope that you share in the interests of your children and, without pressure, help them choose wholesome areas of activity. In those areas, your child could probably be a better athlete, musician, vocal performer, student, etc., than he is currently, but it will cost him and you something. Have you counted that cost?
Someday, your children are going to need the skills of earning an income with thanksgiving (Eph. 4:28), wisely handling money with contentment (1 Tim. 6:6), preparing food (maybe even raising their own food), keeping house (Titus 2:5), understanding the milk and meat of the word (Heb. 5:13-14), personally teaching others the gospel (Matt. 7:12), teaching Bible classes and generally filling their roles in the local church (Eph. 4:16), etc.
When your children grow up and see where they excelled and where they did not excel—what reasons will they remember for their successes and failures? When they are mature enough to look back on their childhood, will their fondest memories be the countless days and dollars spent on athletics? Or will those memories, though fond, pale in comparison to the sacrifices they remember their parents taught them to make for the God who loves them?
I could have been a better athlete during my teen years, but, in my opinion, it would have had a negative spiritual impact. Today, I can thank God and my parents that these are some of the reasons why I was not a better athlete. Parents, help your children find healthy interests and spend time with them doing those things. Emphasize, focus on, sacrifice for, and hone your children’s skills in learning about and serving God and His people. Do your best to maximize their potential as God’s children by bringing them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Eph. 6:4).
Author Bio: David has been among the 160th Avenue church of Christ in Portland, OR for one and a half years. He and his wife, Starla, have three children. He can be reached at davidhalbrook@hotmail.com.
