The fall season of high school sports is coming to a close, and with it comes the excitement of playoff season. I love watching young athletes on the court, in the field, and on the racecourse, giving their all. Their passion, hard work, and dedication are on full display. But with all the excitement, there can be moments that test our character. It’s in these moments that integrity shines—or fades.
I recently heard of a cross country meet where the disqualification of a top runner, caused by being pushed out of bounds, was celebrated by some parents. As a runner, this breaks my heart. To work so hard, only to have your efforts sabotaged by unfair play—it’s crushing. But moments like these are where integrity comes in.
Proverbs 10:9
Whoever walks in integrity walks securely,
but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.
Even when things don’t go our way, staying true to our values keeps us grounded.
So how can we encourage integrity in our athletes and in ourselves? Here are a few simple steps:
Play Fair, No Matter What:
Winning feels good, but not at the cost of your character. In every competition, make sure you play by the rules and encourage others to do the same.
Celebrate the Success of Others:
It’s easy to get caught up in our own team's victory, but integrity calls us to celebrate the efforts of everyone—win or lose. It takes strength to recognize and applaud the accomplishments of others, even when they’re not on your team.
Own Your Mistakes:
Nobody’s perfect. When you make a mistake, be quick to admit it and make things right. Integrity grows when we take responsibility for our actions, even when it’s hard.
Respect Opponents and Officials:
Respect for others—teammates, opponents, and officials alike—is a big part of integrity. Even when the calls don’t go your way, responding with respect shows true strength of character.
Lead by Example:
Whether you’re on the field or in the stands, people are watching. Lead by example, showing others what it looks like to compete with honor and integrity.
As we cheer on our favorite athletes this season, let's also celebrate the accomplishments of others. Whether your team wins or loses, integrity is something that should never be compromised. Let’s encourage our athletes not just to play well, but to play with honor, knowing that in the end, it's integrity that matters most.
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