When you join a team, what do you expect? Do you simply look forward to seeing your name on the roster, or do you look forward to getting in the game?
When the coach puts you in the game, what do you expect? Do you simply want to stand on the court/filed so people can see you or do you look forward to scoring… or making a great pass… or getting a great block or tackle or hit…?
Often when we talk about or present salvation, we focus on the individual benefit of heaven vs hell… or we might mention our new found citizenship (team)… which by the way are amazing truths!!! Cue the song, “I’m so glad I’m a part of the family of God - I’ve been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His blood! Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod, for I’m part of the family, the family of God.” (written by Bill and Gloria Gaither) Maybe we need to key not just on individual benefits of salvation, but also how it benefits the team…
But what does it mean to be “a part” as “we travel this sod”?
If you have followed these devotions for any length of time, you know that I love words… not just speaking or writing a lot of them… but breaking down the meaning…
The word “part” is the key one here… when you become a “part of the family of God” what do you expect? Yes, the word “part” indicates we become a portion of what makes up the whole of the “family of God” (Team Jesus) The word also means “the contribution made by someone or something to an action or situation.” (Online Oxford Languages)
So we we discuss being a part of something we should also discuss what contribution one is making… Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, had a similar thought:
2 Corinthians 6:1 We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain.
The challenge is to not waste the opportunity to play our part on the team… the word “vain” has the ideas of playing the game without effect…
Paul later, in verse 12, states, “You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted by your own affections.”
So if you are not making a difference in the game, it is not because the Coach is not putting you in or wanting to play you… it very well may be because your heart/passion (“affections”) is elsewhere… your head is not in the game…
I believe if you are reading this, you probably want to make a difference… I challenge you to consider your playmates and playgrounds (thanks Q for reminding me of that phrase) and if they are keeping you from playing your role… your part…
I am glad I am part of the family (team) of God… and I want you to know you can count on me to play my part… can we count on you to be a difference maker?
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