Smells Like Team Spirit
When you were growing up, did you ever learn and chant:
We’ve got spirit,
Yes, we do!
We’ve got spirit,
How about you?!!!
I remember shouting this out at any type of team event, whether across the field or the gym with a rival crowd. Of course, the winner (at least of the cheering competition) was the side who cheered themselves into utter hoarseness. I had to settle for this type of team spirit, and being in the pep band, for I’m not, nor never was, athletically gifted at.all. Thank you, Jesus. I’m sure I’m good at other things. No, I am.
This may sound hokey, but I’ll put it out there anyway because it’s true: Those who accept Jesus as Savior are part of the best team ever. #TeamTrinity includes the Triune God (God, Jesus, Holy Spirit) and YOU. What-what? Yes! Those of us who love and believe in Jesus – that he came to save the world by serving us to the point of death on a cross, and that we need Him to forgive us and reconcile us to our Father, God – are in! There are no pressure-filled try-outs. No B teams. And no one is riding the bench (unless, alas, one chooses to do so – even God allows us to be stuck).
So, what does it mean to be a part of this winning team? Well, it means eternal life, for one. That’s everything! But, if you’re like me, and eternal life seems way too far off for you, or entirely too nebulous a concept for now, well, let’s break it down for the here and now:
When we become believers, we agree to be not only on the same team as Jesus, we agree that God, His Father becomes God, our Father.
We affirm that His ways are greater in all ways than our ways. We consent to be His kids. So, we gain a Father. Because of the alienation of our sin, we were separated from Him. Before we chose to accept Jesus as our Savior, we were part of our own kingdoms, serving our own desires as Lord. When we say yes to Jesus, we say yes to a spiritual adoption by our Creator God.
The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” Romans 8:15 NIV
Let’s think about that for a minute. Maybe you grew up with a super terrific dad – good for you! I hope you did. I have to brag and say that my kids have been pretty darned blessed in this area. They have an amazing dad. In fact, the best earthly fathers are a great illustration of God’s love for us, His children. However, maybe you grew up in an abusive home. Maybe your father wasn’t exactly abusive, but absent. Harry Chapin’s Cats In the Cradle song comes to mind. Maybe your dad tried, and perhaps was a decent provider, but somehow couldn’t connect with you at the heart level. Well, here’s the great news: God is the perfect Father. He’s the only one you need. Now, before my one male reader takes offense, God is also the perfect mother. The only one you need. Granted, we have earthly parents, but that’s because He endowed us with them, to teach us about Him and His love for us, in word and deed.
So, let’s continue unpacking this gift, which is nearly too incredible to imagine, much less write about.
When we accept Jesus as Savior, we also gain a handbook of how to live our lives—The Bible.
If you’re unfamiliar with the Bible, I suggest beginning in the Gospel of John or Luke. The four gospels and Acts of the Apostles are full of Jesus’ Word, in instructing his disciples on how to live a new and abundant life with Him at the center.
With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand. Mark 4:33 NIV
However, the entire Bible is God’s love letter and instruction manual to us. Also? References to Jesus are not only in the New Testament. He has been with us always. So, #TeamTrinity is a bunch of people who are mess ups, really, but who heard truth, accepted truth, and turned to live in truth, and because of that they are no longer called mess ups – they are called holy. They are called righteous. They are called Children of God.
Lastly, being part of #TeamTrinity means we’ve got spirit. Ohhhh yes we do!
We have the Holy Spirit indwelling us! How amazing is this??? Sometimes I get frustrated and sad because I feel like the original disciples had it better than me (all except the martyrdom and suffering parts) because they got to SEE, TOUCH, HEAR, and BE with Jesus. Well, yes, I still think it would be awesome to spend time with Jesus in the flesh, but what He sent us is so much better. He sent us Holy Spirit to guide and protect us not just for a few hours or a quick visit, but for always.
But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. John 14:26 NIV
Wow. At any given time, I can speak to, be with, and access the power of the ever-living-God because He dwells within me. He could choose to be anywhere, but HE DWELLS WITHIN ME! WOOHOO!
Can I have an amen?
So much better than that silly cheer.
- A Friend In Need - August 31, 2018
- Breakin’ It Down - July 23, 2018
- Lean on Me - May 18, 2018
Amen!
<3
So glad to be on #teamtrinity! Loved this post.
Thank you for stopping by, Sarah. It means so much. 🙂 #teamtrinityftw
Never was very athletic either. Glad #teamtrinity doesn’t care! Thanks, Gretchen!
My pleasure, Becky. Nice to know I’m not the only one good at other things. 🙂
What a great reminder of ALL the benefits of Team Trinity:) I have to say though, I LOVED this title. Women of a certain age and all that…. And yes, I do remember that cheer. I too was on a pep squad because there’s no way I would’ve succeeded at cheerleading. Though I have the mouth for it. I do not have the gymnastic ability!