Picking teams

If I were a betting man, I would bet that most guys dreaded life when it came time to pick teams in school. Come to think of it, I don’t think I have ever talked with anyone who has fond memories of this horrid event. I guess the best way to describe it is “extremely awkward.”

First, you have to stand in a row with all the other kids who are more athletic and way more popular than you. Then team captains are picked and it was usually the team captain who picked himself. Then the bidding war began.

If you were like most of us you anxiously waited, watching with hopeful anticipation for one of the teams to pick you. It was agonizing! The whole time your brain is screaming, “Pick me, please God don’t let them pick me last!” Until it finally happens, they call your name but only because you’re the last one standing in the field.

I think we can all agree that no one wants to be picked last. It’s no fun and no one wants to feel like the kid nobody wants. But have you ever stopped to think that God has already picked you for his team? Not only has he picked you, he has already chosen a specific role he wants you to play on His team. Jesus said, “You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit…” (John 15:16)

Sadly, I think too many people stand around thinking that they’re not good enough to be on the team. We let our past failures, inadequacies, and the value others place on us determine whether we play in the game or not.

God chose you and he wants you on his team… He’s already picked you and He didn’t pick you last. You just need to start playing and we start by allowing Jesus Christ into our lives and believing in him.

Zachary Elliot is the pastor of Fusion Christian Church.