Are You Playing to Win or Playing to Learn?

Opening Verse

“But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”
Hebrews 5:14 (KJV)

Introduction

Some kids just want to score. They run straight for the goal every time the ball touches their feet, ignoring their teammates, the coach’s directions, and the basics of the game. Their eyes are on the scoreboard, not the practice. They want glory without the grind. Spiritually, we often do the same.

Devotional Story

Imagine a group of children playing soccer. From the kickoff, one boy charges with all his might toward the goal. He’s fast. He’s loud. He scores. But what no one sees is that he never passed, never learned to dribble, and never listened to the coach’s instruction. He got the point, but missed the point.

After the game, his teammates are frustrated. The coach is disappointed. And though he scored, he didn’t really grow. He never learned how to play the game well—just how to chase a score.

We do this with our faith. We rush for blessings. We want breakthroughs. We want quick wins and loud victories. But we don’t spend time learning God’s Word, listening to His voice, or practicing obedience in the quiet moments. We want to look like winners but not train like disciples.

What This Means

God is not looking for people who just want to “score points” with Him. He’s looking for children who want to be coached by His Word, shaped by His Spirit, and trained by His discipline. Scoring is good. But without skill, it’s just a show.

We need to stop asking, “How can I win today?” and start asking, “How can I grow today?” The Kingdom of God is not about performance—it’s about obedience.

Think About This

• Are you chasing spiritual appearances or true spiritual growth?

• Do you want the reward without the training?

• When was the last time you sat under God’s instruction, not for a miracle, but for maturity?

Prayer

Lord, forgive me for rushing past Your instruction just to chase a quick blessing. Teach me how to be trained by You, shaped by You, and corrected by You. Help me to stop seeking the scoreboard and start seeking Your heart. Make me a faithful student, not just a fast striker. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;”
John 8:31 (KJV)