Note from Pastor Tim: I have always liked reading my grandchildren stories that inspired them to live godly for the Lord. And so, I occasionally write them now for you and your children or grandchildren. I hope they are a blessing. Let me know!
The Lesson Sammy Never Forgot
Ten-year-old Sammy Jenkins was the kind of boy everyone liked. He had a mop of messy brown hair, a quick smile, and a heart that leaned naturally toward kindness. He helped his mom carry groceries, held the door open for his teacher, and was the first to include anyone sitting alone. Everyone said Sammy was a good kid.
But Sammy had one big weakness: he loved to win. Whether it was board games, races at recess, or his favorite—card games with his cousins—Sammy didn’t just want to win, he had to win. And every so often, if he thought he could get away with it, he’d sneak a move, slip a card up his sleeve, or slightly nudge the game board when no one was looking. He never thought of it as really cheating—more like a tiny shortcut. After all, he told himself, “It’s not hurting anyone, and everyone cheats sometimes, right?” And when he won, it felt great. The cheers, the pats on the back, the proud smile he’d get from his dad—it made the guilt shrink away.
One sunny Saturday, Sammy’s church held its annual “Integrity Games” for the kids—an afternoon of friendly competitions mixed with Bible lessons. Sammy couldn’t wait. He trained for the obstacle course, practiced trivia questions, and strategized with his best friend, Tyler. The grand prize was a brand-new soccer ball signed by a real pro—Sammy had to win it. The games were close. Sammy was neck-and-neck with a girl named Mia in the final challenge: a timed scavenger hunt. As they ran across the church grounds searching for hidden clues, Sammy spotted the last clue just ahead—but so did Mia. They both raced for it, but she was faster. As she bent down to grab it, Sammy saw her shoelace untied. Without thinking, he stepped on it.
Mia stumbled, fell, and Sammy grabbed the clue and ran. He crossed the finish line just before her. The crowd cheered. Pastor Ben handed him the signed soccer ball, and Sammy raised it high like a champion. But Mia’s scraped knee and disappointed face followed him all the way home. That night, Sammy sat on his bed, turning the soccer ball in his hands. His chest didn’t feel full of pride—it felt heavy. Like the ball wasn’t a prize, but a reminder. When his mom came in to say goodnight, she noticed his face.“Sammy, you okay?”
He hesitated, then nodded. “Yeah… I mean, I won't. ”His mom sat down beside him and waited quietly. “But… I kinda cheated,” he finally admitted. “I stepped on Mia’s shoelace so she wouldn’t beat me. ”His mom sighed gently and opened the Bible on his nightstand. “You know, Sammy,” she said, “there’s a verse that comes to mind. Proverbs 10:9 says, ‘Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.’
”Sammy looked up. “Does that mean God saw me cheat?”
She nodded. “God sees everything—not to shame you, but because He wants your heart to stay clean and full of peace. Cheating might help you win a game, but it always steals something more important.”
“Like what?”
“Like your peace. Your joy. Your friendships. And most of all, your character. Another verse says, ‘Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways’ (Proverbs 28:6, ESV). God cares more about who you’re becoming than whether you win or lose.”
Sammy stared down at the ball. “It didn’t even feel good this time.” His mom smiled and kissed his forehead. “Then maybe it’s time to make it right.”
The next day, Sammy walked into church holding the soccer ball. He found Mia near the back of the sanctuary and walked up nervously. “I’m really sorry, Mia,” he said. “I wanted to win so bad, I cheated. You should’ve had the last clue. This belongs to you.” He held out the soccer ball. Mia blinked in surprise, then smiled slowly. “That’s okay, Sammy. I forgive you.”
Pastor Ben, who had overheard, smiled too. “Now that’s a real win, Sammy.”
From that day on, Sammy still loved to compete—but he made a promise to himself and to God: never cheat again. Because nothing felt better than a clean heart, a good conscience, and knowing God was proud of him.
And that, Sammy decided, was the kind of victory worth chasing.
2 Corinthians 8:21 ESV – "For we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord’s sight but also in the sight of man."
In His love,
Pastor Tim Burt
