The NBA playoffs are underway. That may not be exciting to teams who don’t get to participate in the post-season. Even those on the championship team may be left out of the action with the caption: “Did not play…Coach’s decision”
Even if you’re on the championship team, you might not play. You could be amazingly gifted, work hard, 7 feet tall, have team-unity and trust, skills and strategy, and still not win the championship, or even get to contend for it.
But you could still make a contribution. You can still choose to support, cheer and root for your team. You still get the ring if your teammates do all the work and hoist the trophy in June.
It’s the same with the kingdom of God. We may be off the field, riding the bench, or standing outside the stadium where God is advancing his kingdom. But you can still make a big difference in the outcome of the battle in your circles.
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12
Shining light into dark places can happen any time in prayer. It happens in a cheerful look, a merciful thought, or an offense overlooked. It happens when we refuse to be the victim or become grieved at a small insignificant role. We can still show fruit from the Holy Spirit, sharing the truth of God's love. Shining light means showering praise and prayers over those engaged in the big fight.
We can “fight the good fight” of light over dark every day with prayer. With every courageous act and word of faith, sharing the truth in love, we “Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have confessed so well before many witnesses.” 1 Tim 6:12
Small or great, making a faithful contribution makes a big difference to getting the final victory and a share in the final reward and glory of winning. Just as the whole team gets rings for winning the NBA Finals, those on Jesus' team get golden crowns in eternity.
Let’s renew our resolve to make a lasting difference, however small it may be, each day until he comes in glory.
Let’s renew our resolve to make a lasting difference, however small it may be, each day until he comes in glory.
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