"I thank God who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because He judged me faithful, appointing me to His service." I Timothy 4:12
I really enjoy watching sports. I find myself rooting for the underdog, and I appreciate great plays and memorable moments. Team sports teach a great deal about working together and depending on one another - and even encouraging one another to do our best. I recently read an article that spoke about how sports and competition has replaced the comradery that many experienced through being in the military. Not exactly the same by any means - but a sense of dependency and trust is a deep part of each one.
There are certain events in sports that stick out clearly and people remember. Some are highlights, as being incredible plays with great athleticism and an exuberant joyful successful finish. And other times, it is a major downer of failure, or success by the opponent, and is an actual memory that we relive with frustration.
In this way, I think of sports as a part of life and a source of great entertainment that is enjoyed. Athletes and coaches as well as all personnel within an organization are working toward a common goal of success.
I remember hearing an interview with a lady who worked for a professional football team. The team she worked for had just won the Super Bowl, and someone asked her what she did for the team and this was her response, "I help the team win championships." The reporter chuckled and said, "No, I mean what is your job?" Her response was exactly the same, "I help the team win championships." This went back and forth several times.
Finally, she said - "If you are wondering what my main tasks are within the organization that's different." She went on to share about some specific responsibilities she does, but she kept coming back to a phrase, "I do whatever I can for us to win the championships, that's what everyone does who works here does."
This is a wonderful mindset, to be in unity over high priorities. As a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, I want to be a part of God's team, and there is an exciting outline in the gospels about being on His team.
- Watching and Observing Him - Matthew 4:19 "Come follow Me," Jesus said, "And I will make you fishers of men."
- Doing a little bit and being Involved in service with Jesus - Matthew 14:19 "Then Jesus told the people to sit down on the grass. Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them. Then breaking the loaves into pieces, He gave the bread to the disciples, who distributed it to the people."
- Doing a little bit more and serving with others- Luke 10:1 "And after these things, the Lord appointed seventy two others and sent them two by two."
- Go Be Like Him - Matthew 28:18 "Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations."
Jesus helped these men take baby steps and be a part of the team. They were willing to think and act upon the words of Jesus. They did what they could to help advance the gospel.
A friend once told me that the church is often like a football game, "There are 80,000 fans resting in the stands and cheering, many of whom could really use exercise, while there are 22 guys on the field who need rest." As believers we have been gifted and received a great blessing and are commanded to be involved in the work of the Lord. Let's help the gospel message get out to people so that they may choose Christ.
