Get Into the Game

Spectator or player, which one? What do I do with God's call for my personal involvement in His work? These questions disturb many people who are investigating God's will for their lives. But let’s examine our Lord's desire for our lives.

The most important question is, "What will I do with what I already know God wants out of my life?" God wants me to involved. Am I waiting until some better day or am I getting in the game? Many commit to go later and see their Christian walk in the future tense. Involvement in what our Lord asks of us has no prerequisites. Being wrapped up in God's plan does not require completing our intended education before we begin participating. He wants to use each of us now! Just as now is the acceptable day our salvation, today is the right time to begin taking action on God's game plan.

To get in the game we need to:

1. Imitate God. God has been vigorously winning over people to Himself since Adam and Eve fell. He inaugurated the call for a renewed relationship in the garden. Since then He has continually sought people out. 2 Peter 3:9 (NASB) reveals, "The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance." Since God is always aware of the need for people to come to know Him we need to mirror Him. We need to intentionally seek out opportunities to lead others to a relationship with Christ Getting into the game and witnessing indicates our desire is in the same direction as God's.

2. Present ourselves to God. Romans..12:1 (NASB) states, "I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship." The sacrifice God is wanting is our life. He calls for a seven day a week commitment As we work, study, and fellowship our life is to be a witness for Jesus. It encompasses giving ourselves to Him before and after graduating. The need for personal involvement begins the moment of God's entry into our lives. The coach tells the players what equipment to wear and its function. He also calls the plays to run. Tell the Lord right now that you want to give yourself to be used by Him. Our giving of our lives shows we are eager to execute the Coach's plan.

3. Act out our faith. Through James, God declares that, "...faith, if it has no works, is dead.." (2:17 NASB). Action proclaims our belief. Instead of just telling others of our great love for Jesus, show them! Without the acts of our conviction shouting loudly our true beliefs who would know the difference in our belief and that of the demons? Can we claim a call of the Lord on our lives and not perform it? An engineer who doesn't design, a teacher who doesn't teach, a preacher who doesn't preach; each one declares a call without validation. Just talking a good game doesn't make you a part of the team.

Ownership is revealed by action. Even while learning we are to act on His invitation to be personally involved in His work.

4. Remember God's active interest. We are not asked to go be involved in something God is not already doing. Clearly He is working to save all people. He equips us to make a difference in our world. Without a doubt He has called us to be involved with Him. 1 Pet 2:9 (NASB) says it best, "But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God's OWN POSSESSION, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has caRed you out of darkness into His marvelous light." If you daim to be on the team get in the contest. There are no bench warmers in the game.

In the Great Commission Christ expresses that He will always be there for us. Claim that promise and pursue an active participation right now.

Prayer: Lord help me always to be actively involved in Your work. May my life be a reflection of who You are and reveal who wonderfully You love us.