“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” — Ephesians 4:11-12
>> Sign up here for Sports Spectrum devotionals sent right to your email inbox <<
I love the NFL Draft. It’s a moment when hopeful young athletes hear their names called, marking the beginning of their professional careers in football. Teams select players with the goal of building a stronger, more dynamic roster that will help them achieve success on the field.
As a Chicago Bears fan, I’ve been especially interested in the draft as the organization looks to rebuild and return to winning. The draft is a time of opportunity, excitement and expectation for both the organization and its fans. There’s hope that these newly minted members of the team will embark on successful careers that will lead your team to glory.
But as Christians, we can also look at the NFL Draft and draw a powerful parallel to how God equips and calls His people for His Kingdom.
In Ephesians 4:11-12, Paul writes about the gifts that Christ has given to His Church. Just as NFL teams draft players with specific skills to help their team succeed, God has uniquely gifted each of us with talents, abilities and spiritual gifts to contribute to His Kingdom. No two players are alike, and no two people are alike in God’s eyes. Each of us has been chosen by God for a purpose, and He has equipped us to play a part in the body of Christ.
Just as teams carefully scout and select players who fit their needs, God knows exactly where He wants to place each one of us. He doesn’t make mistakes in His selections. Whether you’re a teacher, a nurse, a leader, a servant or a behind-the-scenes worker, your role in the Kingdom is just as important as the next. God calls each of us to serve in different ways, but all are necessary to build up the Church.
As we watch the NFL Draft, let it remind us of God’s deliberate and thoughtful calling on each of our lives. Some players will be called to the spotlight, while others will be called to work quietly but faithfully behind the scenes. The same is true in the body of Christ. There is no insignificant role in God’s Kingdom. Every believer is called to serve, whether in leadership, teaching or simple acts of kindness.
— Cole Claybourn
>> Do you know Christ personally? Learn how you can commit your life to Him <<
>> Dive more into God’s Word with Sports Spectrum through the YouVersion Bible App <<
If you would like to submit a devotional, please email all submissions to
devotionals@sportsspectrum.com
