Basketball is a team sport. You can't defend alone. Rarely does one individual score all the points. You need 5 girls to start and a few more to sub. The good athletes realize being a teammate is important; they know being a good teammate is valuable. The picture below says it well...
The crutches you see belong to the gal getting a piggyback ride. Madi had sprained her ankle earlier in the day at our game and as we walked over 5 blocks to watch the state championships, she was getting tired. I encouraged our hard working, do-it-all point guard to stop and rest, but like always she was determined to keep up with everyone until a teammate spoke up and said, "I'll give you a ride."
I have pictures of our girls after big wins and following an undefeated season, but as I flip through them, this is my favorite. Let me explain - the girls are walking uphill to the "Well" - the venue for state championships in Iowa. These girls have that as a goal. In the pic, the team is together and the girls are leading the way. Unity and player leadership are key for success. Then there's the piggy back ride...it really brings the old saying to life - "When a teammate falls down, you help them up." Sometimes you even carry them for awhile.
It's often said, basketball is about more than winning and losing. It's true...the game teaches lessons for life and develops character for the future. It also paints a picture of some spiritual truths.
Though our playing days come to an end, we will be a teammate for life. We may no longer be striving for victory or all wearing the same jersey, but we'll be connected with others. As sisters in Christ and members of God's family, you could say together we are part of God's team. Just like on the basketball court, we have to be a good teammate.
Do these traits describe you?
Loving - I'm thinking most coaches have told their teams, "You don't have to be best friends, but you have to play together" or something along those lines. Friends, your co-workers and partners in ministry may not be your best friends, but they are individuals you are called to love. It's evident when teammates enjoy one another and care for each other. Players share the ball and celebrate one another's success. The same is true for believers.
Humble - It's nearly impossible to love another without humbling our own heart. It takes humility to play sports and excel. Athletes must sacrifice personal glory for the team's. Christians must do the same...we have to die to self, so that Christ can live in us. When athletes are humble, teams succeed; when disciples of Christ walk in humility, His light shines.
Willing Listener & Truth Teller - The other day at our end of the season meeting, we talked with our gals about constructive criticism and accountability. True team players and competitive athletes want to improve. That desire must be accompanied by a willingness to listen and accept feedback. Nobody really enjoys hearing what we do wrong, but if we want to grow and learn these conversations are necessary. This is true on the playing field and in the game of life. How do you respond when someone shares a suggested area of improvement? Are you willing to listen when someone calls out your sin? If these teammates in life have humbled their hearts and are speaking in love, we must be willing to listen. If we care about the ones we work with, we must be willing to tell the truth and share words that may be difficult.
What traits do your favorite life-long teammates possess? How have you been blessed by their support and encouragement? Would your teammates describe you with these traits? With March Madness upon us, we can see the value of teammates on the basketball court. I encourage you to stop for a minute and think about the role you play as a member of God's team. Thank Him for the opportunity and look for ways to improve!
Do these traits describe you?
Loving - I'm thinking most coaches have told their teams, "You don't have to be best friends, but you have to play together" or something along those lines. Friends, your co-workers and partners in ministry may not be your best friends, but they are individuals you are called to love. It's evident when teammates enjoy one another and care for each other. Players share the ball and celebrate one another's success. The same is true for believers.
"Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins." 1 Peter 4:8
"A friend loves at all times." Proverbs 17:17
Humble - It's nearly impossible to love another without humbling our own heart. It takes humility to play sports and excel. Athletes must sacrifice personal glory for the team's. Christians must do the same...we have to die to self, so that Christ can live in us. When athletes are humble, teams succeed; when disciples of Christ walk in humility, His light shines.
"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.
Rather, in humility value others above yourselves..." Philippians 2:3
"Words from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses." Proverbs 27:6
What traits do your favorite life-long teammates possess? How have you been blessed by their support and encouragement? Would your teammates describe you with these traits? With March Madness upon us, we can see the value of teammates on the basketball court. I encourage you to stop for a minute and think about the role you play as a member of God's team. Thank Him for the opportunity and look for ways to improve!
"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall,
one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another
to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone?
And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—
a threefold cord is not quickly broken."
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
2 comments:
This is so very good, Jill!! Thank you for helping us understand what it looks like to be a true teammate. This picture truly does say it all!!!
Thanks Wendy! Sports truly can teach us lessons for life!!
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