Faith First: Keeping God at the Centre of Your Game

You know how you can tell what's important to someone? Just look at how they spend their time. If someone's obsessed with Premier League football, they’re glued to the screen for every match, memorizing stats, following players, and talking tactics all day. They’re all in. But what about faith? Does it get the same kind of dedication, especially for a high school student?

Let me tell you about Kayode. He’s just finished high school, where he was a top scorer on the football team. University football is next on his list. Kayode’s put in countless hours of training to get where he is. Football is his thing, no doubt. But here’s the twist: Kayode also makes time for his faith. He’s at Mass every Sunday, no matter what. He’s figured out how to juggle football, school, and his spiritual life.

For many teens, life is a crazy mix of sports, theatre, clubs, and schoolwork. It's easy for faith to slip through the cracks. Out-of-town games, late-night study sessions, and weekend events can push Mass and prayer aside. But not for Kayode. He shows that it's possible to stay committed to your faith even when you’re busy.

So, how does Kayode do it? How can you keep faith at the centre of your life without dropping the ball on everything else? Jesus said in Matthew 6:21, "Where your treasure is, there also will your heart be." If your faith is your treasure, make it your priority. Here are some tips to help you balance it all:

1. Plan Your Weekend Around Mass: With a packed weekend schedule, Mass often gets cut first. Instead, decide on Friday which Mass you’ll attend on Sunday and stick to it. You might have to wake up early, but it’s worth it. Churches offer multiple Mass times, so find one that fits your schedule.

2. Organize Your Calendar: You know when your games, tournaments, and performances are. You also know when finals are. Compare these dates with youth ministry events and retreats to see what you can attend. It’s all about planning ahead.

3. Stay Connected: If you miss a youth group meeting, don’t sweat it. See if there are any materials or summaries you can catch up on. Follow your group on social media for updates and weekly challenges to keep you in the loop.

4. Pray: Prayer is crucial. It keeps you connected to God and helps you put Him at the centre of everything you do. Whether you’re on the field, in class, or hanging out with friends, prayer roots you in your faith.

God wants to be at the centre of your life. With everything else going on, make sure your faith isn’t left out. Stay focused, stay dedicated, and let your faith shine through in everything you do.