Series: The Reign of God in Our Hearts
As the holidays are approaching, everyone is looking forward to the NFL Playoffs and the numerous bowl games. There is the Cotton Bowl, Ticket City Bowl, Alamo Bowl, Rose Bowl, and countless others. The regular seasons are winding down for collegiate and professional football and the championships begin. I remember the beginning of the season. As you followed your favorite team this year, you possibly watched a transformation before your eyes. The team started the season as individuals. The individual players wanted all the glory for themselves, to be in the spotlight, to carry the ball and to catch the game winning pass.
As the season grew long and teams faced adversity, the individuals looked for leadership and bonded with each other. The teams that banded together, overcame adversity, and played with all their hearts may not have won all the games or even be competing for a championship, but those who believed in a common goal still formed bonds and transformed from an individual to a team.
Similarly, you began your spiritual life as an individual. You tried to find happiness and be fulfilled by turning to God. But, you began to get discouraged and possibly distracted. You continue searching alone and seem to fall short.
Just like any great sport, we need a coach and teammates. We must have a relationship with our spiritual coach. If you look to this coach with an open heart, He will guide you through the tough times and celebrate with you in the great times. We should be training with the Lord on a daily basis, determined to be more like Christ in our daily walk. Just like your favorite sports team, greatness and perfection do not happen without practice. The coach urges the players to perfection during practice, as well as during big games. We should listen to the Lord during our life journey and He expects us to practice and perform in the time of need. However, we must remember we are not alone in the spiritual walk. We have teammates! Our teammates and we have an even greater bond than that of any sports team--we are bound by blood. We are meant to open our hearts to the Lord and have a relationship not only with God, but with others. Through spreading His word we shall all be unified.
Jesus prayed in John (17:20-24) “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one. Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”
As Jesus prayed, we are all one in Him. So as you study the word of God on your own spiritual walk, remember that we are not alone. Submit your heart to the Lord and look to your teammates for support.
Gracious Heavenly Father. Thank you for your guiding hands in our spiritual walk and for the blessings of our spiritual family during this time of growth. Open our hearts to allow us to look for your guidance. Allow us to work in unison to spread the glory of your name. Guide us through any obstacles that we may face. Please give us the strength and knowledge during this time. As Jesus has prayed, may our love be spread throughout the world through our growth. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Adam Tittor
Cleburne, Texas
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