Sidelined because of injury is one thing an athlete does not want to be. An athlete who loves his/her sport wants to be in the middle of the action. Oh sure, while healing, the athlete will sit on the bench yelling encouragement to his/her teammates, but in his/her heart, on the field or court is where the player wants to be. It’s no different with God. He wants to be in the middle of the action of our lives- He doesn’t want to be sidelined. However, isn’t that what we do? We sideline God in our lives until we have gotten ourselves into such a mess that we then look to Him to be the star player to make the play of the game and save us from defeat.
How to Know You are Sidelining God
Unlike in sports, where the fans can see exactly who is being sidelined, many Christians don’t realize they are sidelining God. Just because we go to church every Sunday, or stream the service, doesn’t mean we’ve invited God into the middle of our lives. To know if we are sidelining God, we need to honestly reflect on our lives and whether we want to be in control, or are we letting God be in control?
One question we can ask ourselves is, “How anxious/stressed am I?” With the employment climate these days being extremely cutthroat, most of us are feeling pressure from our employers. Unfortunately, many employers are asking way too much of their employees, asking them to do the work of two or three people. This situation naturally causes all kinds of anxiousness, if we don’t realize who is in control. The important point to remember is that our employer is not in control, and neither are we. It’s God!
So then, don’t worry saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ For the unconverted pursue these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But above all pursue his kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well (Matthew 6:31-33).
Another question to ask ourselves is, “How much time do I spend with God?” One of the most successful ways Satan uses to make Christians ineffective is by using distraction. Since the beginning of the Pandemic, I’ve read or heard, life has slowed down. This may be true, but what are we filling our time with? I’ve noticed that I spend more time playing games on my phone and searching the internet. Recently, I’ve been using the screen time setting on my phone to track the time I’ve been on it. Just because we have extra time during the day, doesn’t mean we should fill that time up with whatever. We need to be diligent to use the extra time to deepen our relationship with God. We need to look for cretive ways to be lights in the dark world by being kind and showing people God through our actions of campassion and caring for them.
Commit your works [time] to the LORD, and your plans will be established (Proverbs 16:3).
Who is Really Being Sidelined?
The time we spend with God is time we are spending for our own benefit. For some reason, we think God needs us. The reality is, God invites us into His plan for this world at this point in history. He gives us the opportunity to choose to be part of His plan. He desires a relationship with us, but He will never force us. The fact is, God’s plan will come to fruition whether we choose to be part of it or not. When we sideline God, we are actually sidelining ourselves and all those God is asking us to interact with for His glory.
God is the one who has endowed us with our gifts and it is He who ultimately knows how to use them perfectly. When we try to succeed on our own power, it is as if we are two year olds trying to paint a masterpiece. However, if we let God use the gifts He has given us, then the masterpiece is truly beautiful beyond our capabilities.
I am able to do all things through the one [Christ] who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13).
God is the one who gives us confidence to succeed. We just need to make sure we are in His will. When we are in God’s will, nothing is impossible. As we come into His will, we need to make sure that success is God’s success, not worldly success. We may not be rich and live in a mansion, but we will have such a special and exciting life that can only be orchestrated by the Almighty. Remember, God is the ultimate creator. He will take your life and give it just what He knows we need, whether that is excitement and traveling and living in exotic places or living where we have grown up and being an integral part of our home community. God knows exactly how our lives will intersect with others to bring eternal salvation for as many of us as will accept His precious gift.
Steps to Take to be in God’s Game
If we really want to get into the game, and not be sidelined, we need to grow as close to God as we are able. Just as an athlete needs to train to be the best in his/her sport as possible, Christians need to work out our spiritual muscles. We need to train to be self-disciplined, righteous, trusting and compassionate. We also need to be sure to listen to our coach’s voice, God’s voice.
If you have been an athlete, you know, training is hard work. It isn’t all singing around the campfire wishing to be the best. It takes dedication and commitment. While in training, an athlete hears the voice of the coach everyday. It is no different in God’s game. We must talk with Him every day, all day long to know in what direction He wants us to go, which game play He is calling, if you will.
Don’t think once we are on God’s team that we will win every game. God’s plan will always stand firm, but we will fail. For one, Satan will be our toughest opponent. He will come in many forms to cut us off. Know, when we are feeling attacked, it means we are on the right track. Satan doesn’t bother with Christians who are sidelined, because those sidelined, are not a threat. Those of us in the game are the biggest threat to Satan. However, the most exciting part of playing on God’s team is that we know we have already won. Our star player, Jesus, defeats Satan at the end of the game. The after-game celebration is an everlasting life with God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, angels and all other Believers in Heaven.
Don’t allow yourself to be sidelined, come join the most exciting game!
Photo credit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sidelines, last edited on on 21 June 2020, at 03:13 (UTC).
*All Bible passages are from the New Living Translation.
