Making the Team

I recently had the privilege to speak to a high school basketball team. As tryouts passed, cuts were made, and rosters were posted I was asked to come and give some words of motivation and inspiration for their ensuing journey together. 

So you know what I said? 

"Work hard and good luck!" 

Really. 

How much more motivation do you need than to know that when you put that practice jersey on it will fuel the sweat, blood, and tears necessary to place talent, skill, and perseverance on the front lines every time against every opponent you face this season? 

Now for the rest of my 10 minute rant that found me re-living my glory days. 

I reminded the players how they longed to get the attention of the coaches; making every layup, meeting every pass, always in a defensive ready position. 

I told them how I knew all they really wanted was the coach's approval; good enough to contribute to the team. And they got it the day the rosters were posted.

Then, I reminded them what was coming; the apparel. Team sponsored gym bags, matching shoes, name plates above their locker. 

The Christian life is no different. We long for God's attention. We want his approval. We want his apparel. And we chase after those things just like trying to make a basketball team. Hard work, extra effort, asking God for the goods. 

But I've come to realize that the Christian life is so paradoxical. We get God's attention not by presenting our talent and skill but by making pleas of desperation, admitting we're just not good enough. We find His approval, not in our deeds of righteousness that He counts as filthy rags, but in the righteousness of His Son covering our sin-stricken hearts. His apparel is not some pair of designer jeans or a list of good fortune, rather it is being clothed with a sword and shield to declare war on the enemy's attempt at ceasing the greatest mission on earth.

We all have circumstances in our lives that at times feel daunting. God is not impressed by our attempts to prove ourselves or call on Him like some genie in a bottle. He actually does want to hear our cries for help and He really does want to aid us through the guiding hand of His Holy Spirit. Remember today that the greatest victory in all the world is choosing to advance the only kingdom that will outlast all the substitutes this world has to offer; team Jesus.