Team Player

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others,

as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.

I Peter 4:10

Both of my children have enjoyed playing on various sports teams. And I am so thankful for the life lessons my kids are learning from being a part of a team. They are learning how to work hard, be disciplined, take correction, win graciously, and lose with heart.

Being on a team requires each player to learn and execute a specific role. The players depend on each other. When one fails, the play does not go off as planned. Winning a game takes the effort of an entire team. And it takes discipline to be the best you can be for your teammates. Players train and work very hard to make sure they are up for the challenge of the game.

This is very true in football. It’s not just about the quarterback throwing the ball to the receiver, the linemen have to block the defenders to give their quarterback time to make the play. They also block for their running back to make his way down the field. It takes each player doing his part to reach the goal.

The volleyball team gets three hits before the team has to send the ball back to the other side of the net. Each of those three touches are designed to do something different in order to be the most effective. Someone has to dig a hard hit ball so the setter can get the ball set up for the hitter to hit it hard to the opposing team. Each position has a very special job to do.

We also have a part to play in God’s story. It is hard to imagine that God wants to use me in His plan, but I want to be the best I can be for my God and my teammates. I will do some blocking - block the arrows of the enemy. I will do some setting - setting up others with encouraging words.  

Lord, help us to be team players who do our part to advance Your KIngdom.

Julie