Pursue the Who: Pursue Team Sample

Draft the Team

Ready: 

“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.”  - Philippians 4:19 (NLT)

Set: 

In the professional sports world, draft preparation begins long before the actual draft day itself. Hours upon hours are dedicated to finding the right player who will best fit into the organization’s plans athletically and as a whole. When draft day arrives, a ton of work has already been done to get to this point, and this is simply when it’s determined whether the work has paid off.

What if we took as much care in constructing our team of people who will inspire and encourage our spiritual walk? Let’s look at how Jesus evaluated and chose the people He did to follow His example. What were His requirements? 

Dedicated

Each of the disciples were dedicated to someone or something: Matthew, to his work; Peter, to friends and family; Nathaniel, to a longing for something more. They had passion and commitment to see the job done and fully invest their entire being into what they believed in. Jesus saw a willingness to stand with Him, whatever the cost. He saw a willingness to give up everything for the sake of His Gospel, and a hunger to be filled with the Bread of Life.

Teachable

Over the years of Jesus’s ministry, the disciples would ask many questions. They were inquisitive, even in the beginning when Jesus first invited them to follow Him. He knew they would not be satisfied simply being taught, but shown, and allowed to examine for themselves, ask questions and come to answers in their own timing. Jesus brought a new way of thinking to the world, and the disciples had a thirst to learn and experience this new way of living.

Obedient

One of the main characteristics that tied the disciples together was their obedience. Each one saw Jesus as his Rabbi and Messiah and were willing to submit to His authority and follow His thoughts, words and actions. Even if they didn’t fully understand, they trusted Jesus enough to follow, wherever that led. Jesus cares about the state of our heart, and if we are willing to submit in obedience to His Lordship over our lives and where He leads.

Jesus saw beyond what the disciples were in the moment He picked them because He knew who they’d become. What work have you put into who you have around you? Pay attention and ask yourself if you’re setting yourself up for success with Jesus. And don’t be afraid to adjust. 

Go:

• Do the friends you have build you up, or bring you towards temptation?

• Which characteristics above would you like to have more of in your spiritual walk?

• Are you willing to make the necessary changes to draft a new team that’s best for your life?

Workout: 

John 6:68; James 1:22; 2 Peter 3:18

Overtime: 

“Thank You, Father, that You give us examples in Your Word on how to live like Your Son. Thank You that You love me and protect me, and that You want me to walk alongside other believers to strengthen our faith. Help me to be dedicated, teachable and obedient to You and those You have put around me. Thank You that I am Your child and that I am part of Your team. Amen.”