Playing Chess can be instrumental in learning how to problem solve, critically think and approach life and business in general. Anticipating your opponents next move can be nerve racking to say the least however it is necessary to understand this because life is unpredictable. Being objective, rational, logical and reasonable all enable you to navigate life up's and down's and can give you some lessons in long-range planning such as contingency plans should your original plan not work.
Frankly I see God as the greatest Master Mind and He sees the world as a gigantic chess board. He is the Alpha and Omega.......the Beginning and the End. In other words, He sees the end from the beginning. He is omniscient and immutable. Not only that, He is sovereignly moving each piece to accomplish His plan and purpose. This is why going to Him on a regular basis for direction and wisdom in life is essential for success in navigating all of life and its challenges, obstacles and trials.
So here are some principles from chess that are applicable for all of life.........
1) If you see a good move, wait. There might be a better one coming up if you're just patient. Inexperienced chess players will jump at the first move assuming immediately that it's a good move. Make sure your looking at the whole landscape and actually making your choices based on a complete set of information, not just the first thing that comes along that looks good.
2) Winning requires you to plan many moves ahead. From the beginning to the end. This is required for long term planning. Unfortunately with God, He doesn't show you the whole plan so you have to trust in His wisdom but He has proven to be quite reliable. Be careful of the trap that insists we'll figure that out when we get there.....that could prove to be risky. Be sure to assume obstacles, setbacks and challenges so you can consider contingency plans. With God though, He knows all the unforeseen events and already has a plan to meet those challenges head on. All you have to do is trust and obey Him and He will help you navigate the obstacles!
3) In chess, you have to manage your time or you can lose......even with the better position. The same goes for managing your life in general.