THE MATCH THAT MATTERS THE MOST

World Cup season is upon us. I myself am personally invested in the Volleyball Nations League and have been following for a few years. I’ll be travelling to Japan to watch a few matches live for the very first time. 

As I watch some of the exciting matches and rallies that are ongoing now, I am reminded that volleyball (and sports) offers more than exciting rallies and dramatic victories. It can also provide us with valuable lessons that can resonate with our Christian walk. 

Playing Your Position

One of the fun things about volleyball is that every player has a distinct role on court. The libero is a defence specialist. The setter acts as a middle man and sets up balls for the attacks. The hitters take part in both defence and also score points with their attacks. And finally, the blockers specialise in defending the incoming attacks from the opposition. Each player contributes differently to scoring and ultimately, the team’s success. The same is true in God’s family. 

Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 12, that the Church is like a body with many members. Each member has a function and every role is important. Some may teach, others serve, some receive visitors, some preach, or some quietly support those in need. A healthy team is not made up of players trying to play every position. 

Likewise, God’s work flourishes when each of us serve according to the gifts and opportunities He has provided. There is also no need to compare or wonder if our contributions are visible or less significant. Everyone can contribute in their own way and most importantly, we serve Him with a faithful heart. 

The Power of Unseen Players

When spectators remember a volleyball match, they often remember the powerful spikes and attacks that win the game. Yet behind that winning shot is usually a good pass, a precise set, and several players working together to create the opportunity. The most visible player is not always the most important contributor. 

There are many working behind the scenes, doing the quiet unseen work in Church too. The people who so kindly prepare a spread of food every Sunday morning, those who clear the table after, those who send out kind reminders to those on duty, those who plan the ones on duty, etc. There are so many more things going on behind the scenes that I have not mentioned but while these acts may not receive applause, they are precious in God’s sight.

The world often celebrates visibility but God values faithfulness. Every action can have a lasting impact in His kingdom and God sees every act of service even when no one else does. “For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” (Hebrews 6:10)

The Comeback Set

One reason volleyball is so exciting is that a match is not decided by a single set. A team may lose badly in one set, but still recover and win the match. Life can feel similar. There are seasons when plans fall apart and discouragement settles into our heart. We may feel as though we have lost the set, but we are far from losing the entire match. 

Through God’s grace, every day presents an opportunity to begin again and grow to continue moving forward in the faith. Even faithful servants in the Bible experience setbacks. Peter boldly declared he would never deny Christ, yet he denied Him three times. That could be the end of the story, instead, Peter went on to do many great works through his perseverance and strong faith, along with God’s grace. Their stories remind us that our struggles are not the end of the story when God is involved. 

The Match That Matters Most

Sports competitions and events are exciting and capture our attention because we enjoy the adrenaline, the game and the thrill. Yet, all these victories are temporary. Eventually every season ends. Champions are replaced and records are broken. 

As Christians, we are pursuing something far greater. God is not concerned with our ranking and accomplishments. Our faithfulness, character and devotion to Him matters much more. The victory that matters most in our Christian race is not found on a scoreboard, but in a life lived for Christ. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7) And I’m thankful I have many faithful brothers and sisters-in-Christ to run this race together hand in hand, with our eyes fixed on the eternal reward.