The Parable of the Soccer Coach

A parable of sorts:

A soccer coach by the name of Coach Shepard was looking forward to a start of a new season. His team, the Rams, recently had tryouts and things were looking good. Coach Shepard posted the results and talked to each member of his team. He complimented them on their hard work and dedication. He advised them that they were now on his team and would be required to play only for him and no one else. Some might think this unfair or maybe too controlling of Coach Shepard but he understood the importance of keeping his team unified and separate from any outside sources.

See Alma 5:57

Resurrection, Judgement, and Imomortality

Yes, that's me.

       As a young boy I tried out for a competitive soccer team. Tryouts went well... Or so I thought... When the list was posted I looked up and down for my name but it was nowhere to be found. My heart dropped. I thought I was good enough to play. I guess this coach didn't think so. Needless to say, I was very disappointed. Some time later I tried out for a different soccer team. This time, as I looked at the list, I read my very own name. I made it.

       Our life here on earth can be likened to a tryout or a test wherein we must prove to God that we are willing to follow His commandments. Unlike my experience in trying out for soccer teams our Savior, Jesus Christ, is a perfect judge. We won't feel like we were cheated or rewarded less than we deserve. Jacob, a Book of Mormon prophet, says,"Wherefore, we shall have a perfect knowledge of all our guilt, and our uncleanness, and our nakedness; and the righteous shall have a perfect knowledge of their enjoyment, and their righteousness, being clothed with purity, yea, even with the robe of righteousness."

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