Think about a teammate you’ve had who went above and beyond for the good of the team. We’re talking staying after practice to help someone with their slapshot or collecting spilled water cups. The one who’s all over film sessions and coordinates team dinners.
There was no task too small or insignificant they wouldn’t do, because they were so invested to do whatever was needed. And, in ways we can’t even fathom, they make our lives easier because they share the load of team responsibilities or look for ways to serve.
The ultimate teammate does everything he or she can to make the team feel seen, valued and taken care of. In even greater amounts, Jesus made His way to earth to come alongside us and serve for our good and His Father’s glory.
He submitted to God and humbled Himself to squeeze into the shape of the cross, where He willingly took on our sin to be the atoning sacrifice that would defeat death and give us life forever in right standing with a holy God.
“So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” (Hebrews 4:14-16)
Jesus doesn’t give us fifty ways to make ourselves fit for heaven—He gives us one way: His.
“Jesus told him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.’” (John 14:6)
He doesn’t say He is a way, a truth, or a life, as if He’s an option if how we’re currently operating no longer works for us. He is the way, the truth and the life. Sometimes we fight this; we want to keep things comfortable and easy. We aren’t willing to give up the rights to our life.
When it comes down to it, it’s our pride that keeps us from surrendering to Jesus. We want to decide what’s good for us, and we don’t want to turn over control. Sure, what Jesus says sounds good, but we want to be able to pick and choose the parts we want to listen to and apply. But the words of Jesus are challenging and force us to choose Him or not; there is no middle ground. He wants all or nothing.
What do you do to receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior?
You believe.
Like the jailer who met Jesus through the bars holding Paul and Silas, we see Who stands before us and accept what He is offering.
“Then he brought them out and asked, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’
They replied, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.’” (Acts 16:31)
You declare.
After accepting the truth of Jesus Christ as the Son of God and Son of Man, you confess your pride and sin, admitting you cannot do life on your own or come to the Father without Jesus.
Jesus is enough. He is the way, the truth and the life. “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.” (Romans 10:9-10)
You live.
Now, you’re living for something greater than what you’ll wear or which record you’ll break this season. God has given us purpose for His Kingdom and there are many more people out in the world who need to know about Jesus. The way you live illuminates an example of Christ to those who are watching; what will your life look like?
“Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ.” (Philippians 1:27)
Like the teammate who goes above and beyond to set us up for success on the court or field, Jesus provides us with all we need to live an impactful life of abundance in relationship with God our Father. He is our Savior who willingly laid down His life for us. He is enough. He is the way, the truth and the life. Surrender to His love and Lordship today.
Are you ready and willing to give your all to Jesus?
One way to open your heart and Pursue Life is with FCA’s The CORE. Get eight essentials to strengthen your faith and grow in your relationship with Christ, and then put it into action to disciple others.
Want to learn more about pursuing life and growing your relationship with God? Head to FCA in Action and read our June Pursue articles:
Anchor Article: It's Time: Surrender Your Heart
*If you read this article and aren’t in relationship with Christ yet but would like to know more, we invite you to go through FCA’s The FOUR that explains how an everlasting and fulfilling life with God is possible.
About The Author
Sarah Freymuth is the communications manager for FCA and writes content for blogs, articles, Bible reading plans and devotionals that share God's heart with coaches and athletes. She played softball for Concordia University Wisconsin, is in their Hall of Fame, and has led FCA Huddles since high school. Dark roast coffee makes her happy, as does telling stories about God and His people to the world. She'd love to speak to your Huddle or group; connect with her at sfreymuth@fca.org.
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Photos courtesy of Canva