Dig, set, spike!
Wednesday night, we had a great time hanging out and playing Gaga ball and some weird volleyball! LOL But the highlight every time we get together is always to hear from God through His word. It never ceases to amaze me how He ALWAYS teaches us something new when we open up the Bible and dig in, and how He makes it applicable in even the little things, like the games. We compared playing volleyball to our Christian walk and again, God just pulled it all together!
In volleyball, there are three critical shots: the DIG, the SET, and the SPIKE.
We can compare "DIGGING" to the unpleasant, even sometimes painful formation of our character. A good dig puts the ball in play and allows a team to go on the offensive. It is that way with Godly character. We put ourselves in a position to influence others for Christ when we are sincere, loving, honest and faithful. It isn't always easy but it is necessary.
The second shot, the "SET", is a strategic move, requiring precision and finesse. It sets the stage for the spike. We are preparing ourselves for the spiritual spike when we spend time with God in prayer, worship and in His word. We have to train and discipline ourselves in the way of Godliness.
It is usually time for the "SPIKE" only after the dig and set. The spike is the powerful and aggressive play that usually scores for the team! In our Christian walk, the spike drives home our purpose with power and certainty! What do you think a "score" for the Kingdom of God would look like? I can think of many!! Winning for God's team would be like leading someone to the Lord, being "Jesus salty" and His light in the world, victory over a sinful habit, forming a new Godly habit (like your quiet time), taking up for someone who is being bullied....get the idea?
As school draws near (I know---UGH!), how can you be sensitive to how God wants you to DIG, SET, and SPIKE for His Kingdom? Just like volleyball, you are not the only team member. We need each other and we all need practice. Home is critical -- you need to practice with your family and alone on your skills -- but church is also crucial. Don't get too busy to come to "practice". We need each other and the team isn't the same when you are not there.
Ephesians 3:6-20 -- "I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work with us."