Several years ago, legendary basketball coach Bobby Knight was pheasant hunting in Eastern Montana with some friends of mine. While I may not agree with his coaching methods or character all the time, he sure knows his basketball. His college basketball teams won 902 games while playing for “The General.”
Well, “The General” had dropped a bit behind the two local boys who were guiding him on the hunt, when they spotted a covey of pheasants in the brush. Within seconds, the pheasants scattered, and the locals began firing and knocked down several nice pheasants. After the shooting stopped, Bobby ran up to the guides and said, “How come you didn’t wait for me?” After quick consideration, 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 wants us to be passionate and engaged in what He has given us to do:
“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)
When God’s people “get in the game” exciting things happen: people come to Christ, church becomes a “team sport” rather than a show, believers become energized and filled with the Spirit, lives are transformed, families are united, communities come together, reconciliation among races happens, people experience the healing power of a loving Savior, and we experience the thrill of discipling others!
Much like a basketball player, we have choices to make. To become a good player, we must take some chances, step out of our comfort zone, and step up to the challenge before us. It means being willing to “go inside where the big guys are.” Occasionally, we get fouled or even knocked down. If we’re playing all out, we get sweaty and dirty. We might get a bloody nose, bruises, and negative comments—even from some of our own team members and fans. Out on “the court” things do get rough sometimes, but like a hard-fought game, we cannot give up. “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 Timothy 6:11b-12)
Scripture Reading: Hebrews 12:1-3
Personal Application: To what extent would you say you are “in the game” as far as making disciples is concerned? What can you do today to represent Christ well to others through your life and words?
Jim Grassi, D. Min.
We cherish any verse in Scripture that reminds us to keep focused and intentional about evangelism and discipleship. “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:5