Team Player

Ever hear of iron man football? In high schools years ago, there was no such thing as separate offensive and defensive teams. The same group of guys played both, no resting up on the bench when the other team had the ball. You were always on duty. When we met and married, I learned early that my husband not only had a love for the game, but had even played it. When you have tried something yourself, it gives you a much greater love and appreciation, whatever it might be. Since this sport was something he obviously enjoyed, I tried to develop an interest in it myself, so we could "share the experience." Now, after countless kick-offs, I know the difference between a linebacker and a line judge, a halfback and half time, a touchback and a touchdown. Like life, it's a strange game; I'm still getting into it.

Coming to earth and getting into the game of being human was something God certainly didn't have to do. He could've continued to just "call in the plays" as he had with the prophets and patriarchs. But he came, and we can now know there is One who knows exactly what we are going through. He's been there. He's been here. And each of us was sent here with a mission, a job to do, a position to play. When we get back home and sit down with the Lord to review our "game tapes" are we going to be ashamed of our showing, our chance at playing in the big game? Even though he never dropped the ball, living the perfect life that he did, Jesus knows we are going to, and has compassion for our frailty of body, of mind and spirit. Even though we miss play after play, this is one Coach who will never cut us from the team. This makes me want to try all the harder to have recorded in the annals of heaven that a few times I caught the ball, or carried the ball, or hopefully, even scored a touchdown for our team. So suit up! In this game of life no one is a bench warmer. Christianity isn't a spectator sport. If everyone doesn't play his position, guess who wins?

Hebrews 2.17 - He had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make expiation for the sins of the people.

Hebrews 5.9 - And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.

1 Peter 4.10 - As each has received a gift, employ it for one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace.

1 Corinthians 9.25-27 - To win the contest you must deny yourself many things, that would keep you from doing your best. An athlete goes to all this trouble just to win a blue ribbon or a silver cup, but we do it for a heavenly reward that never disappears. So I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step. I fight to win. Like an athlete I punish my body, treating it roughly, training it to do what it should, not what it wants to.

Revelation 20.12 - The book of life was opened and other books opened, which were a record of what they had done in their lives.