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October 26, 2009 - Spectator or Participant II
I recently heard a story about the legendary basketball coach - Bobby Knight. While we may not agree with his methods or character, his college basketball teams won 902 games while playing for “The General”.
Several years ago Bobby was pheasant hunting in Eastern Montana with some friends of mine. He had dropped behind the two local boys who were guiding him. As the locals came up on some vegetation they spotted a covey of pheasants.
Within seconds the pheasants scattered as the locals began firing upon the birds. After the shooting stopped several nice pheasants had been knocked down. Bobby ran up to the guides and said, “How come you didn’t wait for me?” After thinking about his question for a moment, one of the guides said, “Bobby it’s kind of like basketball. You either get in the game or sit on the bench”.
Today, too many Christians are sitting on the bench. They have become complacent about their faith. Christ desires us to have passion about our spirit-filled lives, "Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV)
What happens when good people like you get in the game?
- converts become disciples
- we see church as a team sport
- we become energized and filled with the spirit
- lives are transformed
- families are united
- communities come together – reconciliation among races happens
- people can experience the healing power of a loving Savior
- intentional discipleship is seen as authentic love from a grace-filled Savior
Much like a basketball player, we have choices to make. To become a good player means that we take some chances by being willing to go inside where the big guys are. Occasionally, we might get fouled or even worse, knocked down. If we are playing all out, our uniforms get sweaty and dirty. Neatness isn’t necessarily a sign of greatness. If we are in the game we will occasionally experience a bloody nose and receive undeserved bruises and negative comments even from some of our own team members and fans.
Life as an effective disciple isn’t much different. When we apply our gifts and talents to Kingdom work it is like being in a hard-fought basketball game. Our goal is to fight the good fight and not give up. “But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” 1 Tim.6:11-12
Jesus encouraged His disciples to get in the game. To get in the game we must be committed to the game plan (the Bible), be obedient to the direct of our coaches (the Holy Spirit) and take an active part in fulfilling the calling God has given each us.
I’m reminded of these words from the Apostle Paul, “Since we have such a huge crowd of men of faith watching us from the grandstands, let us strip off anything that slows us down or holds us back, and especially those sins that wrap themselves so tightly around our feet and trip us up; and let us run with patience the particular race that God has set before us.”
Keep your eyes on Jesus, our leader and instructor. “He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy He knew would be His afterwards; and now He sits in the place of honor by the throne of God.” Heb 12:1-4
Have a great week.
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