Playing in the game

While coaching youth basketball one of the key elements that I try to impress upon the kids is that while you are on the court, during the game, if you are standing and watching the game you might as well be sitting on the bench! You are no help to your team if you are watching the game instead of being actively involved in the playing of the game - no matter what your level of talent. I even challenged my son that each time I saw him 'watching' the game I would charge him a quarter! It is very easy to watch the game go by but it takes effort and determination and perseverance and even sacrifice to actively play the game.

As I pondered upon this it made me think about the body of Christ and how we spend quite a bit of our time watching the game…we are not actively involved in this game of life that we have been called to play i.e. spreading the gospel and making disciples! Just as with basketball, if you are just watching the game you are actually helping the other team (the enemy) by your non-involvement. No matter what your gifting or talents or maturity in the Lord are we are all called to be actively engaged players in this game of life.

I would encourage all who call Jesus Christ Lord to get in the game - don't watch as if you were on the sidelines - you have been selected to play on the first string team - His team…get out there and allow the Holy Spirit to give you strength and power and discernment along with His grace and truth to actively play this game of life and battle against the enemy! We are on the winning team and lives are waiting to be touched for His glory.