Teens

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Little Recognition for Defenders
By Dan Blankenship
© 2006 Dan Blankenship



Over the past ten years, I would have to estimate that I’ve watched at least 500 soccer games. The matches I have seen have been in person and on television. They have been played by amateur, semi-pro, and professional athletes. I have enjoyed watching every minute of this sport that is slowly taking hold in the United States. I simply love the game of soccer.

I have noticed that the game of soccer has a serious problem not often discussed, and no I’m not talking about European fans trying to beat each other up all the time. No, the big problem with soccer is that the defenders never get enough credit, attention, or respect from the fans, the media, or even the other players. Statistics that accurately portray the importance of the men and women who stop the forwards and midfielders from putting the ball in the back of the net are not a reality.

Goalie statistics clearly define the amount of goals allowed per minute of game play. Midfielders can rack up assists as they feed the forwards the soccer ball, and of course, forwards gain fame by sending the game ball past frustrated goalies.

Yes, people know defenders play an important role in soccer, but some of the games most important players get very little of the limelight as far as I am concerned.

As Christians, seeking fame and recognition is really not something we are to be concerned with. We are to be doing what we do because it is righteous in God’s eyes, not pursuing acceptance by others. If God finds our actions pleasing, we have made the only important statistical chart we need to truly worry about.

Followers of Christ should be a lot like the defenders on the soccer field; we should be doing good works, treating others with respect and dignity, and constantly embracing the Word of God regardless of the earthly rewards such efforts bring about.

Whether our work for the Kingdom is in ministry, missions, music, or any other field, the end result is a team effort to be Jesus’ hands and feet right here, right now. Heaven will be full of people who shunned limelight in search of eternal light.

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