comittment

“For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” (Romans 12:4-5)

Being a former coach, I get lots of revelations about how athletic things line up with or contrast with Spiritual things. God gave me several “ideas” related to this at our Monday night Prayer Time at church this week.

The Bible says we, as Christians, are all gifted in certain ways to help God’s Kingdom. As the above verse says, we are all also one body, gathering, people, church…team. We each have a talent that can build up “the church”. But again, as a coach, I can see this in different ways. Are we on the team or are we just a fan? In the arena of sports, both are important. I think it is in the church also.

Those who are on the team have made a special commitment to the team, the coach and their teammates. They go through hard training directed by the coach and his game plan in order to improve, be successful and win the game. The fans in the stands are not “on the team” but support those who are on team. They go to the game, wear the jersey and cheer for those on the field or court, but they are not required to make the commitment the players have. It’s harder for those on the team than it is for the fans but the rewards are greater. The players appreciate the fans as “the great cloud of witnesses” spoken of in Hebrews 12:1. They encourage them to go for the win. We all need that.

In the church, everybody is not gifted to preach, teach or sing. But all can support those who are gifted in those ways. Giving is another gift that we all can use whether it’s money, time or using our gift to “give” for the betterment of the church body. We also can encourage each other. If you don’t feel like you’re a part of the “team”, maybe you haven’t made the commitment to ask Jesus into your heart. That’s the first step. Then ask God to lead you in how to help the “Team”.

Given November 3, 2013

Football players and fans. — In the stands or on the team?

There are three types of people who are involved in a football game, really four. First, many people choose NOT to be involved in the game. They stay home and do their own thing; they don’t have any interest in the game or other things in their lives take precedence. They’re not committed to the game at all.

Second, there are those who go to the game. They may wear their team’s colors, sit in the stands with other like-minded folks and cheer their team on to victory…they hope. They’re committed to the team and take part in the game, but from a distance…where they’re sitting.

Third, attending this game are the players. They’re on the team, wear the team equipment, have been through a training process, and are willing to do whatever they can, with the talents they have, to promote the success of the team. These players are under the direction of the coach who has put them through some hard drills but they’re willing to do it because they have a deeper commitment to the team.

Finally, on this team, there are those who do most of the playing; the first team. They’re usually more experienced, stronger, and have put in the time and effort to get to the athletic level required to be successful against their opponent. They get in the game. They get to use what they’ve previously learned in practice in the game. They’re not just on the team, standing on the sidelines, but have made the greatest personal commitment to the success of the team.

If you go back and read the four types of commitments, you’ll see that they’re the same as those involved in the game of life. Some don’t care about the game (church); some go to the game (church) but only watch from the stands (seats). Others have chosen to be on the team but spend most of their time on the sidelines. Then, there are those who have made the commitment to get the job done (God’s plan). Do you see yourself in any of these categories? “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23). That’s the commitment Jesus wants.

The Team

Lessons From Football, Part 3 – Comittment

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