We live in a competitive world, and my desire is for you both to succeed. Play hard, give your all, and strive to be the best in all your endeavors. Having said that- always play fair: be a good sport, play by the rules, and help others along the way. There is nothing wrong with being competitive, just be careful not to fall into the trap of doing “whatever it takes” to win. It is not worth it. Do not cheat to win.
Cheaters usually get caught
In the past few years, we have seen several people who cheated to win, and are now paying the price because their cheating was discovered. Many years ago I was a huge Lance Armstrong fan. I marveled at his achievements on the bike – “winning” seven consecutive Tour de France races. This level of excellence was unheard of and unprecedented in sport. He was also a hero to many. He survived cancer and went on to found a charity that was having a large impact on the fight against cancer. But, as we all know now, it was a farce. He cheated to win, punished those who tried to reveal the truth, and lied up to the last moment possible before coming clean. It was a great fall for him, and many others who helped him cheat his way to the top of the podium. What a shame. The hero became the villain and the sport of cycling has never been the same since then.
Don’t cheat to win
Don’t be that guy. The one who lies. The one who is willing to take a cheap shot at an opponent in order to gain an unfair advantage. It is not worth it, and no one will trust you again. Competition is not a good thing if it hurts others, or if it separates you from God. In other words, never compromise who you are, or what you believe, simply to win. Win based on your own merits. You can do it, and I will applaud your efforts.
8“God guards the paths of the just, and protects those who are faithful to him. 9 Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will find the right way to go.
Proverbs 2:8-9
I am Doug Keating and this is my letter to sons.