Gospel-Centered TeammatesChikamu

Gospel-centered teammates celebrate their teammate’s success

As we finish the series on Jonathan, it seems appropriate to recap who he was as a man. Jonathan was very capable. He was a warrior. As the heir to the throne of Israel, he would have been a great king. But wasn’t given the opportunity. Rather than complain, Jonathan chose to make the best of the situation. He loved. He sacrificed. And because of his unselfish attitude, he became one of the greatest teammates this world has ever known.

The Scriptures don’t record many celebratory moments between David and Jonathan. It’s pretty safe to assume, however, that when good things happened to David, Jonathan was joyfully celebrating with him.

Romans 12:15 implores believers to “rejoice with those who rejoice.” Gospel-centered teammates enter into the joy of others and celebrate with them. Can I be honest? Sometimes a teammate’s success will come at the cost of your own. If you can’t muster up the energy in your heart to find happiness for your teammate, it becomes an opportunity for you to confess that to the Lord and repent.

An inability to celebrate others is a terrible, joy-robbing way to live. Gospel-centered teammates embrace the call to “love your neighbor as yourself.” Part of loving your neighbor—and your teammates—is being happy when good fortune comes their way. The difficulty in the world of sports is that other’s success often comes at your expense. If your opponent wins, you lose. If your teammate’s have a great game, you probably didn’t. How you respond, both inwardly and outwardly in these moments, matters a great deal. It reveals where you are putting your ultimate hope and identity.

Questions to consider:

1. How do you respond when your teammate’s succeed and you don’t? Are you able to be happy for them?
2. If not, what needs to change in your heart? Is there something you need to confess?
3. Why do you think God wants us to “rejoice with those who rejoice”?

Bonus: PS. I adapted this plan from a chapter in my new book The Christian Athlete: Glorifying God in Sports