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The Perfect Teammate

Rebekah Trittipoe

Ready:

“Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them.” Romans 12:9a

Set:

Lizzy was a highly recruited volleyball player. When she arrived on campus, the fit was perfect, like hand-in-glove. She excelled in the classroom, but even more so on the court. Even as a freshman, she earned a starting position as an outside hitter, and was awarded conference honors for her stellar play. A force on the court, Lizzy couldn’t imagine a more perfect college career until “she” unexpectedly showed up the fall of her junior year.

Her name was Nicki. Nicki was also an outside hitter who had multiple offers from major volleyball programs across the nation. She was lightening quick, had an incredible 35-inch vertical jump, and could pound the ball in front of the ten foot line. Her defensive skills were nearly as good as her offensive play. So when she signed with this program, Lizzy had a sinking feeling about her own future. Sure enough, Nicki soon replaced Lizzy in the lineup, playing phenomenal volleyball. Lizzy and the bench became well-acquainted.

Lizzy had a decision to make in regards to her teammate. It would be easy to despise her, hoping she would break an ankle. But she also knew that as a Christian, there was no choice but to intentionally treat her with deepest love and continue to put in her own best effort.

“Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.  Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.” Romans 12:9-12

Go:

How do you interact with a teammate competing for the same spot? What happens when individual goals conflict with overall team goals? How can you serve a teammate who is playing in “your” spot?

  

Overtime:

Dear Lord, help me put aside selfish thoughts, and mold me into the perfect teammate.