Gospel-Centered TeammatesChikamu

Gospel-centered teammates let their teammates know they have their back

Do you remember what Jonathan’s armor-bearer said to him after Jonathan told him of his plan to attack the Philistines? He said “I am with you heart and soul." Well, Jonathan eventually said the same thing to David, in his own words.  

When David was desperate, he came to Jonathan. He knew that Saul wanted him dead. Jonathan did not say “good luck” or “I'll keep you in my prayers.” He looked his friend in the eye and said: “I will do anything you ask me to do.” When life got really hard, Jonathan became the person David ran to for comfort. 

Do you have that reputation on your team? Are you the type of person your teammates will come to when times get tough? Why or why not?

Gospel-centered teammates don’t put limits on what they will do for others. They are willing to be inconvenienced to help a teammate get out of a jam. This stands in stark contrast to the me-centered attitude of our sports culture. This willingness to help comes out of a growing awareness of the lengths to which Jesus went to serve and sacrifice for us. 

If sin didn’t get in the way for him, surely we can’t let sports get in the way for us. The best way to become the type of teammate that Jonathan was to David is through service. Look for ways to serve your teammates wherever and whenever you can. This builds trust—and when the time comes when they need someone to offer them hope—you will have set yourself up to be a trusted confidant. 

Questions to consider:

1. Are you the type of person your teammates will run to when they need help? If not, what needs to change to become a safe person that your teammates trust?
2. What is one thing you can do today to serve your teammates?