Go Team!

For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household.

Ephesians 2:18-19

Are you a sports fan? My husband and I like to watch sports. We have a couple of teams we follow, and we like to watch big play-off games. Games have also become a fun family activity we enjoy with our kids.

You probably realize that tonight is the College National Championship game. I'm not super invested in this year's matchup, but I'm sure we will watch. However, I have cared more about college football in the last few years than ever before. Why? Because MY team has been in the mix lately.

When I was in college, our football team was not great. We hardly won a game. We weren't winning, so there was no television coverage, no fancy uniforms, and a relatively empty stadium on game day. Things are different now.

Why have I jumped wholeheartedly into college football? Because I care about my alma mater, so I care about these boys on the football field. In some way I am connected to these guys because I spent four years in class, in life, in the same place they have. I'm on their side. We have something in common. We belong as fellow sojourners who traveled an important season of life in the same place.

Belonging is an undeniable force. When you feel as though you belong in a certain group, it's quite a bit different than when you don't. It's kind of like "home" when you belong.

As Christians, we belong together as fellow Jesus followers. We are citizens of the Kingdom of God. We care about each other's lives, and encourage one another. We make our churches and homes places where all believers belong.

Lord, thank you that you have given us a place to belong, citizenship in Your Kingdom. Help us to love each other as you love us, and show us how to stand together with our fellow believers.

Julie