What's Sports Have to Do with It?
Isn't the Bible great ... especially for me since I don't have to read it! ... with BibleGateway.com I can choose any section of scripture and it will read it to me. For someone like me who doesn't really enjoy reading it's fantastic.
But as I read the bible (or should I say 'listen and follow along') I see more and more how my life revolves around it. Christ couldn't be everywhere and do everything all the time. He needed the help of God and his Apostles to teach, show and spread the good news. I have played sports all my life and if there is one thing I have learned from playing, it is this: No matter how good or talented you are, you can't do everything by yourself.
For a hockey team to be successfully you need to work as a unit with each and ever player giving their best at all times. If your talent is scoring goals, you will not asked to play nets ... but you will be expected to skate back and help out your defense and goaltender. Same goes for a defenseman. You will not be expected to score goals every night but you will be expected to try to score when given the opportunity. You see where I am going. The whole key to a successful team is to play as a unit. Congratulating your teammates when they do something good while still supporting them when they make mistakes. Each player has a special gift they bring to the team but that doesn't mean they are not expected to work hard to improve themselves in the areas of the game they find more difficult. You can have a team of superstars. But if they can't or wouldn't play with and support each other that team will fail. (I'm seeing this first hand with my Philadelphia Flyers).
To me my position in the Church is the same. I bring a talent to this family of God and I am expected to use this gift to the best of my ability so that it is pleasing to God. But this doesn't mean that because I may struggle or find other areas difficult, that I do not have to serve in those areas.... Not only do I need to serve but I am expected to serve in those areas. However, if I see a fellow member struggling, I need to help and encourage because this may not be his gift. I know that I struggle daily and I am often looking for help. I want to be successful. But more so, I want my church to be a successful. I also know that for this to happen I need to make sure that I am using my gift to it's full potential while also working to improve on the areas I am less gifted in (or not gifted in at all). For at the end of the day, if I have truly done this and all the members of my team have done this ... WE CAN NOT LOSE!!!
But as I read the bible (or should I say 'listen and follow along') I see more and more how my life revolves around it. Christ couldn't be everywhere and do everything all the time. He needed the help of God and his Apostles to teach, show and spread the good news. I have played sports all my life and if there is one thing I have learned from playing, it is this: No matter how good or talented you are, you can't do everything by yourself.
For a hockey team to be successfully you need to work as a unit with each and ever player giving their best at all times. If your talent is scoring goals, you will not asked to play nets ... but you will be expected to skate back and help out your defense and goaltender. Same goes for a defenseman. You will not be expected to score goals every night but you will be expected to try to score when given the opportunity. You see where I am going. The whole key to a successful team is to play as a unit. Congratulating your teammates when they do something good while still supporting them when they make mistakes. Each player has a special gift they bring to the team but that doesn't mean they are not expected to work hard to improve themselves in the areas of the game they find more difficult. You can have a team of superstars. But if they can't or wouldn't play with and support each other that team will fail. (I'm seeing this first hand with my Philadelphia Flyers).
To me my position in the Church is the same. I bring a talent to this family of God and I am expected to use this gift to the best of my ability so that it is pleasing to God. But this doesn't mean that because I may struggle or find other areas difficult, that I do not have to serve in those areas.... Not only do I need to serve but I am expected to serve in those areas. However, if I see a fellow member struggling, I need to help and encourage because this may not be his gift. I know that I struggle daily and I am often looking for help. I want to be successful. But more so, I want my church to be a successful. I also know that for this to happen I need to make sure that I am using my gift to it's full potential while also working to improve on the areas I am less gifted in (or not gifted in at all). For at the end of the day, if I have truly done this and all the members of my team have done this ... WE CAN NOT LOSE!!!
posted by Harley McCarville at 12:13 pm
Thanks Man ... speaking of hockey ... are coming out to play tonight? ... Floydd and Mark have been going. We need to get you and Mike back at it.
Later
h
I really like reading your blog. I find it encouraging to hear about another persons life as a Christian.
thanks ... I find it encouraging to know people actually take interest in it. I appreciate the feed back.