"Winning isn't everything; it's the only thing."
Final whistle
1Peter 1:9 for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
A professor of theology, (AM Hunter), once expressed the Christian belief in the second coming of Christ in these terms. "The question is not, 'when will the final whistle blow?' but 'am I in the right position to receive the ball?'".
That Jesus will come again and that, as a result, our faith will receive its final completion - salvation and being with Christ for ever - is a great encouragement. However, the encouragement should motivate us to holy living here on earth.
Jesus talked about the need for servants to be found doing their duty when their Master returned (Matthew 24). When Jesus returns will he find us, representing him at the sports club, caring for people, living godly lives and sharing the good news with them?