Whatever sports team you follow, they all have team colors and matching jerseys.
In the realm of sport, it’s easy to identify who’s on “your team.” But in day to day life, it can be a tougher job. This morning we’ll learn some lessons from sporting jerseys, and apply them to the game of life.
Welcome to “Mornings with Bishop Robert,” thanks for joining me. My goal is to introduce people to the Jesus they never knew, and help them get to know Him and His word personally – and better ! If our time together today speaks to your heart, please like, subscribe and share it with a friend !
Today’s verse says IT IS NO LONGER I WHO LIVE, BUT CHRIST WHO LIVES IN ME.
So what do team jerseys have to do with Christ being the one who lives in His followers? Well the best example of the point I’m hoping to make comes from American Major League Baseball jerseys. Unlike Premier League football clubs in the UK, whose jersey’s largest element is typically the name of the sponsor, the front of MLB home game jerseys are emblazoned with the name of the team. Every other element pales in comparison. Whatever the sport, the back of team jerseys have the player name and number.
The lesson in this comes from US Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg. Retiring from the game with a record 99% fielding percentage, he won the Golden Glove award for nine consecutive years. The speech he gave when he was inducted into the Hall of Fame is a classic lesson in humility. Among the dozens of quotes I could pull from it, one stands out. “The name on the front is a lot more important than the name on the back.”
We ought to be identified with the name of Christ. As we live out our faith, people ought to see Him and His name first. Our name is nothing compared to His. If I have been crucified with Christ, if it truly is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me; then the life I now live in the flesh I should live by faith in the Son of God. He is the one who loved me and gave Himself for me.
Followers of Jesus protect His name, being careful not to bring dishonor to it. Those who belong to Christ Jesus crucify their flesh with its passions and desires, so that Christ dwells in their hearts through faith. It is Christ dwelling IN US that allows Him to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine; He does that according to His power that is at work within us. It’s His name on the front of our jerseys.
Because the name on the front is so much more important than the name on the back, we give all the glory to Him. We make every effort to live in harmony with one another because He called us to live in unity. We look for opportunities to use the gifts He gives, and to demonstrate the power of the Kingdom of God. The Father is glorified when we bear much fruit and so prove to be His disciples.
How can we bear more fruit and bring Him greater glory? Whoever speaks should speak from the wisdom of His word. Whoever serves should serve by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. Because His name is on the front of the jersey, glory and dominion belong to Him.
We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works which God prepared beforehand so we could do them IN HIS POWER and FOR HIS GLORY. As you live out your faith in this way, God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. We are the body of Christ and individually members of it. Let’s live like it!
