In August, we talked about what it means to Draft the Team. We focused on what Jesus paid attention to and how He chose who He did to follow Him, and how we can do the work that’s needed to grow in our faith.

This month, we dig into what it looks like to Commit to the Team and seek accountability and commitment from and to those Jesus has placed around us.

We’ve spent time, prayer and heart investment into becoming more like Christ and connecting with the best people who exhibit His traits in their lives. We’ve done the work to determine how we can best represent God in our lives and to find the right people who will encourage and strengthen our faith. And we’ve allowed God to shape our hearts into disciples who seek after His Kingdom and model the life of Jesus to teammates, friends and family.

We’ve found our people; now, are we willing to commit and go all in with them? God has called us to accountability—are we willing? Will you help others walk in line with Christ, encourage them if they get off course, and are you willing to BE corrected and refined? Are you ready to give and receive advice and follow for growth in constant pursuit of Christ?

The life, death and resurrection of Jesus ushered in a new way of living.
“Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.”  (1 Timothy 6:11)

Living life on earth takes a team effort. There’s strength in numbers and a commitment to stick together, united by the same goal. We see it in the best teams; dedication and commitment not only to the cause, but to those who work side-by-side.

Committing to the spiritual team God has brought us to takes firm conviction, accountability and care. As one, we band together under the leadership of Jesus to set out to our fields, locker rooms, classrooms and towns. What does this look like for us? How did the early leaders of the church begin to spread the Gospel that has grown out to us today?

It took backbone. It took belief. And it took sacrifice.

What’s It Worth?

God’s Word is worth everything. The disciples and members of the early church were so transformed by Jesus and empowered by His Holy Spirit that they committed themselves to further the Gospel in any way they could. Belief in Jesus never wavered, and they stuck by their faith no matter how much backlash came after them.

The disciples were willing to be ostracized from their communities, stand up to the rulers of the Law, willing to forgo comforts of home, etc. for the sake of Jesus and His people.

How can we look to these early leaders for insight on what it looks like to come together and commit to a group of spiritual teammates?

Kingdom Call

The disciples and early church were focused on a larger mission and stuck to that vision as they grew in numbers and lived together in Christ. Jesus laid the groundwork for Kingdom living and His disciples were tasked with taking His message to both Jew and Gentile. As His messaged moved in the hearts of listeners, believers united and met together with joy, shared meals and pooled resources to serve those in need in their communities.

“Jesus came and told his disciples, ‘I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’”  (Matthew 28:18-20)

Breaking Barriers

The life, death and resurrection of Jesus ushered in a new way of living. It was upside-down and counter-cultural to the time, but it brought people together who had previously been divided. Jesus came to save everyone, and in Him, people were related through adoption into God’s family regardless of status. Barriers broke, and all became welcome under the banner of Christ. Jesus extended fellowship to those considered outsiders or subservient and highlighted their value. As His followers, we are tasked to do the same.

“There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus.”   (Galatians 3:28)

All Together

The early church members gathered together, loved and moved out of deep and genuine fellowship with one another. They pooled resources, met together and sought to take care of the needs of one another. Jesus was the bond that got them together, and His love was the motivator as they looked to serve and share about Him with a waiting world. As members of Team Jesus, we continue to live in peace with our brothers and sisters and commit to living and giving as one under Christ.

“All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had.”   (Acts 4:32)

God desires unity, as it showcases His love to a world who needs Him. When we are unified and committed, our resolve strengthens and we live out our lives with the light of Jesus, standing firm with others who are willing to stand beside us for the sake of God’s Kingdom. A fortress built on a firm foundation stands steady in the winds of adversity, and there’s no better time to gather our crew and dedicate ourselves to walk beside one another in unwavering love and encouragement.

“How wonderful and pleasant it is
    when brothers live together in harmony!”   (Psalm 133:1)

Consider: Are you ready to commit yourself to the people around you for the sake of God’s Kingdom?

Action: Write a commitment pledge to God and sign it, reminding yourself to be dedicated to serve and encourage those on your spiritual team. 

This quarter, we’re exploring what it means to Pursue Team. This month, our focus is on how to Commit to the Team. Join us as we journey through this exploration and prepare to Pursue Mission next month.

One way to actively Pursue Team is through joining an FCA Huddle. The Huddle is one of FCA’s greatest teams. It is an important resource to help coaches and athletes grow in the essentials of their faith and become fully devoted followers of Christ. As a coach or athlete connects to an FCA Huddle, they will surround themselves with teammates who point to Jesus. Bring a friend and find a Huddle near you!

*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.

Other Pursue Articles:

Read previous months' articles:

January: Imperative: Read The Truth

February: Connected: Pray The Truth

March: Accountable: Reach For Truth

April: Be Honest: Open Your Heart

May: Be Intentional: Examine Your Heart

June: It’s Time: Surrender Your Heart

July: Take Assessment: Examine The Team

August: Do the Work: Draft The Team

-FCA-

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