Please join me in welcoming Kate Potter as she guest posts today. Kate planted the seed that became the Game Day series at an end-of-season team party one year. Kate is married to Watson, and they spend several hours cheering on their three kids from the stands every week.
There is a certain emotion that evokes within me when I see one of my sons walk out on the precisely-lined, manicured football field. As an enthusiastic (and slightly overzealous) fan, the only thing better than watching a football game is watching a football game with a jersey on the field that spells P-O-T-T-E-R! “Play for the name on the front of the jersey and they will remember the name on the back,” is a quote that has stuck with me.
Any sports parent knows which athlete belongs to which team by the colors they wear proudly from helmet to cleat. No eye contact has to be made to know who they represent. Under those sacred jerseys, though, the players wear armor that you can’t see. Each player knows the plays, their coach’s expectations, and the teammates they can count on. Their practiced playbooks are plastered in their heads. They wear helmets and multiple pads to safeguard them for the battle that comes before them. They prepare themselves mentally and physically so they can hopefully end the game with a victory. Without this varied and vital preparation, they would not be able to execute their coach’s well-conceived and strategic plan.
On any given Saturday you can walk by one of my sons and know what team he plays for, which family he represents, and that he is ready for a battle on the field. Scripture says:
“Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” Ephesians 6:10-11
Are we putting on our holy uniform and armor every day? Are we executing God’s plays, and therefore, His plan for us? God has given us the Bible as a great playbook to live by. He has also given us our brothers and sisters in Christ as teammates to block and tackle for us when we need them. Are we using these Holy gifts to go out and serve God and resist evil?
My challenge every day is to put on the armor that God has prepared for me. My daily goal is to spread the love of Jesus with my teammates in Christ. I know my heavenly Coach wants to see victory in my life and has a perfect plan for me. But, do I remember to put Him first every day? Unfortunately, no! When I reflect on those dark times, I realize those were the days I didn’t put on my “armor of God.” It’s a choice I have to make every morning.
Tomorrow, when we see our kids with their football armor on: team helmets, coaches by their side, names on their backs, and playbooks in their heads — let’s remember God wants the same for us. Listen to Him, pick your teammates well, know His word and represent Christ in all you do. God sees a victory in all of us … but it’s up to us to put His armor on and play the game well!