Gospel-Centered TeammatesSample

Gospel-centered teammates learn from other great teammates

Yesterday we looked at how Jonathan displayed great ambition to go after the Philistines. We learned that Gospel-centered teammates understand the athletic gift they have been given is a stewardship from God and rejecting passivity is glorifying to Him. Today, we’ll see another way Jonathan modeled Godly teamwork and what today’s athlete can learn from him. 

After Jonathan shares the plan, his armor-bearer, the only other person to go along with him, has his back. He puts Jonathan’s interest above his own. There is a huge difference between “I support you,” and “I am with you heart and soul.” They were going to succeed together or die trying together. His armor-bearer was a great teammate. As we will see later in the story, Jonathan takes on a similar role to his armor-bearer in his friendship with David. Jonathan was willing to do anything for David. Did he learn this type of selfless friendship from his armor-bearer? Maybe. He certainly did not learn it from his father. 

What’s the point? 

Gospel-centered teammates do not learn how to be great in isolation. They pay attention to those around them who are doing it well. The look. They learn. They ask questions. There’s a level of humility involved in knowing that you can always learn something from someone else. Gospel-centered teammates honor the people around them—and God—by having a consistent posture of learning.

Questions to consider:

1. Who in your life do you look up to as an example in the faith?
2. Have you ever told this individual that you respect and admire them in this way?
3. Are you currently living your life in such a way that you would want your teammates to model their life after you?