Gospel-Centered TeammatesChikamu

Gospel-centered teammates take responsibility for their actions

After Jonathan’s victory over the Philistines, King Saul forbid anyone within the army to eat anything until he avenged his enemies. Jonathan didn’t get the memo and tasted some honey. When he got caught, he didn’t blame anyone else and he didn’t try to justify his actions. He accepted the consequences, even if they seemed unfair. Jonathan was so well liked and respected by the men in the army that they intervened on his behalf, sparing his life.

What can we learn from this? 

Gospel-centered teammates aren’t perfect. They will make mistakes and do things they regret. They do not, however, hide under a rock when their misdeeds are exposed. They don’t blame other teammates. They don’t use social media as a passive aggressive outlet. Even if the punishment seems unfair, they accept it and learn from it. 

That’s the beauty of the Gospel. The only role we play in God saving us is providing something for him to save us from! Our sins! If you are involved in sports at any level, you will make mistakes. It’s part of the beauty of sports. It provides a fast-paced, emotional environment that reveals what is really going on inside of us. Whatever comes out, be quick to confess and move on. 

Questions to consider:

1. Is there anyone that you need to apologize to? What is stopping you from reaching out right now and imply owning your part and saying “I’m sorry”?
2. Have you taken any time lately to think about the implications of the Gospel, specifically that you are completely forgiven because of Christ’s work on the cross?
3. Are you becoming the type of person that your teammates will rally around if and when you make a mistake?