Spectator Or Player?

School has begun. Football season has been underway. Pep-band music has been well rehearsed. Cheerleaders have practiced long hours. Speculations are being made about this year’s season. Perhaps you have joined in on all the talk about “We did this” or “We did that” or “We sure set back that team”, etc.. However, who is the “we”? What DID “we” do? Am I a part of the “we”?

There was a talented young man on a football squad who never seemed to put his heart into the game. The coach thought that perhaps a little encouragement would help.
“John, tell me,” said the coach, “if our team had the ball and was on the one foot line with one down to go, what would you do?”
“I’d move down to the end of the bench and get a better view,” he replied.

Are we ACTIVE MEMBERS on God’s team or have we been content to sit and watch from the sidelines? Have we been letting others carry the ball and do the work and still jump in to take part in the glory of the victory celebrations? Do we sit back, putting forth no effort, and then when the plays don’t seem to work right begin to criticize those who are at least out there trying their best? We may think we’re a part of the team sitting there on the bench rooting on the rest of the team, but it is those out in the field who will get the awards.

Christianity is not a game. It is to be our life. We are promised the victory in Jesus Christ. Encouragement is a part of the scene, but it needs to be as we are together on the “playing field”. We are not on the Lord’s team to do our own thing, but rather to do His thing. God doesn’t want us to move to where we can get a better view of the action, He wants us involved IN THE ACTION. He wants us to be His servant. He wants us to be His soldier. He wants us to be His ambassador. He wants us to be His light out there where the world needs illumination and guidance.

In reflecting on his ministry, Paul wrote…
“(7) I have FOUGHT THE GOOD FIGHT, I have FINISHED THE RACE, I have KEPT THE FAITH. (8) Henceforth there is laid up for me the CROWN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, which THE LORD, the righteous judge, WILL AWARD to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.” ( 2 Timothy 4:7-8 ESV)

Let’s move out of the stands and into the field. Our Lord has a game plan in which He wants to INVOLVE US. At times the competition may be tough, but the game book already makes it clear His team will win.

Have a great day AS AN ACTIVE MEMBER OF GOD’S TEAM!
Carl

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[This focus was originally sent 09/10/1998 (Edited some with passage changed to ESV)]

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