When my son plays basketball in our driveway, I can always hear him counting down: “three . . . two . . . one” and then he shoots. He practices that game-winning shot over and over again.
I bet you do too. Don’t you dream of that glory-filled moment when the game is on the line and you win it for the team? Of course you do, because that’s an awesome feeling.
I have never heard of a kid who dreams of being the one who passes to the player who makes the game-winning buzzer-beater shot. Wanting to get more assists than points does not come naturally. You have to learn that winning is not about you; it’s about the team.
God wants us to learn that attitude, and Jesus says the best way to do that is to look at his example. “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant. Whoever wants to be most important among you will be your slave. It’s the same way with the Son of Man. He didn’t come so that others could serve him. He came to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many people” (Matthew 20:26-28).
Today, look around you. Look for ways to help others, to serve them, to love them the way Jesus loves you. That’s what makes you a great team player.
Dear Jesus, please give me opportunities to serve others every day. And when I get those opportunities, help me to serve gladly and willingly. Amen.
