Do We Serve a “Both Sides” God?
Have you ever thought about this, teammates? When there are followers of Christ on both sides of a competition, whose side is God on? Think sports, business contracts, job posts… any area of life where there is only one clear winner. And, everyone’s praying to win.
After playing in and coaching thousands of games, I find that I have struggled with this question: Whose team is God on – my team or the other team?
How can God pick sides? If He does pick sides, how does He decide which side to be on? If there are Christians on both teams, then how can God be on both teams? These questions challenge many of us athletes and coaches.
God Never Serves Two Masters. He Performs His Will.
Let me be honest with you. When I compete, I want God to be solely on my team and not on the other team! However, when we have that mindset, we have it all wrong.
In the Bible, Joshua was the commander of Israel’s army and was preparing his troops for battle against Jericho when the commander of the Lord’s army appeared to him. When Joshua asked him whose side he was on, the commander of the Lord’s army replied, “Neither.”
Does this mean that God doesn’t take sides? Not necessarily. God is always on the side of His will and His glory. God is strategic, just, and wise to watch over and protect His Word (Jeremiah 1:12), cause us to triumph according to His will (2 Corinthians 2:14), and honor His promises.
However, there is another point to remember. It’s not whether the Lord is on our team or their team; it’s whether or not WE are on God’s team! When we compete, we need to first recognize that we are on Team Jesus, not the other way around.
It is human nature to want God to stand on our sideline. However, God wants us to be on His side only!
So, What’s Play Call?
- How and where can you apply the concept of being on God’s team (not God being on your team) in the future?
- What impact could this make if everyone on your side understood this concept?
- Why is it so difficult for us to remember that God’s team is the only team that matters?
Lord, help me to remember that when I compete, I am on Your team and it’s not about You being on my team. Give me the proper mindset to play for You. Every time I step onto the field of competition, I will wear Your uniform, I will wear your number, and I will run your plays. Amen.
