We play for the name in front of the jersey not the one on the back!
If you are a fan of any sport, you’ve heard the noise of fans speaking as one. While watching on the couch might give you a better view of the game, it’s never the same as cheering on your team from the stands.
A special energy comes from being part of a shared mission, whether that mission is to win a game or to bring heaven to earth. When we ask Jesus into our lives, we give Him permission to reshape our values and our perspective. That’s what it means to make Jesus our Lord. We put Him in charge of how we live today as well as where we spend eternity. We join His team, His mission.
Rather than fielding a select few, Jesus sends all of His people out to share the good news that He has set us free and He will set things right forever. We might seem like a rag-tag bunch. But when it comes to this mission, no one is too old or too young. Wherever we’ve come from and whatever we’ve done, we all have a place on this team (Galatians 3:26-28).
At times, we are going to get tired and want to give up (Romans 15:1-2). But the same way a team feeds off the energy of its fans, we can draw strength from one another. When our minds are unified with Jesus the way He is unified with His Father, anything is possible. Paul reminds the church in Rome of the special power that comes through unity in Christ. “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 15:5-6).
Jesus calls us to be one, working together for His glory. When we say yes to Jesus, we are clothed with His jersey. And everyone — regardless of skin color, age, social status, or past life experience — has a role to play. We play for the name on the front of jersey not the one on the back!
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