FOLLOWING JESUS IS A TEAM SPORT

BY PASTOR JÄN VAN OOSTEN

REMEMBER THAT AT THAT TIME YOU WERE SEPARATE FROM CHRIST, EXCLUDED FROM CITIZENSHIP IN ISRAEL AND FOREIGNERS TO THE COVENANTS OF THE PROMISE, WITHOUT HOPE AND WITHOUT GOD IN THE WORLD. CONSEQUENTLY, YOU ARE NO LONGER FOREIGNERS AND STRANGERS, BUT FELLOW CITIZENS WITH GOD’S PEOPLE AND ALSO MEMBERS OF HIS HOUSEHOLD, BUILT ON THE FOUNDATION OF THE APOSTLES AND PROPHETS, WITH CHRIST JESUS HIMSELF AS THE CHIEF CORNERSTONE. IN HIM THE WHOLE BUILDING IS JOINED TOGETHER AND RISES TO BECOME A HOLY TEMPLE IN THE LORD.

EPHESIANS 2:12, 19-21 (NIV)

There are two different kinds of athletic endeavors. There are individual sports like boxing, wrestling, and long-distance running. And then there are team sports like hockey, basketball, and football. Those who enjoy athletics usually like both individual and team sports. Still, there’s a big difference emotionally and mentally between boxing— facing an opponent all by yourself—and working together with teammates to win a game.

In the incredible passages of Scripture above, Paul reminds Christians that before coming to faith in Jesus, they were lonely and isolated individuals without hope. However, because of what Christ did on the cross, all Christians have entered God’s household and are joined together with other Christians to bring glory to Him. The key word is “together.”

In contrast to our modern individualistic world, following Jesus is the ultimate team sport. We are working together and offering our gifts and abilities to achieve the greatest and most glorious task ever given to humanity. We are carrying on the actual work of Jesus Christ in a lost and hurting world. Each of us is important. Everyone has an important part to play. This is one of the reasons why gathering to worship God and hear His Word through the teaching of Scripture is vital. Gathering encourages, inspires, and builds up the family of God together.

The Bible tells us not to neglect the gathering of God’s family, and it adds this thought: “all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Heb. 10:25). The point is the “Day” is approaching, and all of us need to make gathering a priority. Do not neglect such a vital part of following Christ. Why? The reason is that we achieve far more than we can ever think or imagine. We are part of the greatest team ever created—God’s family.

Moving Forward

Take out your calendar and check to make sure gathering with other believers is a priority. Ask yourself how you can play your strategic role in God’s playbook.