Seek-1st…Winning with the Name, Image, & Likeness (of Christ)

Chapter 1: The Team
What are your favorite teams? Which one holds your unwavering loyalty?
It's fascinating how deeply people indoctrinate themselves—and their children—into identifying with a particular sports team. Before children develop their own independent thoughts, parents dress them in miniature jerseys and cheerleader outfits, aligning them with teams they themselves love. College, professional, or both—parents often invest more time and money in shaping their child’s allegiance to a sports franchise than they do in educating them about life’s real challenges, such as drugs, alcohol, and unhealthy influences.
For many, sports become an emotional anchor. A team’s victory or defeat can dictate their mood for an entire week. When their team performs well, the world feels brighter; when their team loses, frustration, disappointment, or even depression sets in. And yet, these fans aren’t playing the game—they’re simply watching. Emotional investment in something beyond their control often manifests itself in powerful ways, shaping attitudes, conversations, and even relationships.
At the end of every sports season, only one team emerges victorious, leaving countless fans heartbroken over their team’s shortcomings. But just months later, the cycle begins again, with every team starting fresh—once more chasing the elusive championship title.
But what if there was only one season—one competition that determined everything—and no second chances? Would the emotional intensity of that pursuit be justified?
There is a championship of eternal significance, where the outcome matters beyond time itself. The greatest competitor to ever step onto this field spoke of it in Matthew 7:13-14 (NKJV):
"Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it." —Jesus Christ
Picture an arena or stadium. There are numerous gates—wide and welcoming for spectators who come to watch the competition. Their entry is easily purchased with a ticket. However, access to the field or court is restricted to one or two narrow entrances reserved for players. These gates demand a far higher price, paid in hard work, dedication, and sacrifice—costs far greater than the price of admission. Only a select few gain the privilege to step onto the playing field.
In this ultimate championship, the victorious team must remain focused, dedicated, and unwavering in their pursuit of the prize. Only a few will achieve the championship that transcends time and lasts forever.
As a spectator, you might attend every game, know every player, and memorize every statistic of your favorite team. But when the championship is finally won, only those who played the game will celebrate in the locker room and hold the trophy. No matter how devoted a fan may be, the spectators will not participate in the ultimate celebration. It is reserved for those who were part of the team—not merely around it.
How many of us attend church every week, content to watch from the stands rather than step onto the field as active participants? How many of us can recite countless Bible verses and name every key figure in scripture, listing their achievements as if they were stats from a favorite sport? Many believe that their faithful attendance—holding their "season tickets" and cheering at every service—entitles them to share in the championship title. Yet they never take the field. Instead, they remain spectators, applauding but often criticizing the players and coaches who are actively engaged in the competition.
This is the reality for the majority of congregations—those with a home church who attend regularly but never “get in the game”. They miss the deeper calling to action, the privilege of actively playing a role in the eternal championship. It's not enough to be near the team; true fulfillment comes from being part of the team.
SIGNING DAY
Many sports fans dream of quitting their jobs, getting in peak physical shape, and playing for their favorite team. But reality is far more demanding. The talent required to make a professional roster far exceeds what most dreamers possess. Even the worst team in any sport still consists of elite athletes—while the best armchair quarterbacks remain sidelined.
Yet, this longing to be part of something greater isn’t just fantasy—it can become reality. There is a championship team that anyone can join—a team competing in the most intense, high-stakes contest of all time. The choice is yours. The offer is on the table. The time for dreaming is over—it’s time to step in and play for real.
So, the question remains: Which team do you want to represent?
As I mentioned in the introduction, while in Miami surrounded by fans proudly displaying the names and numbers of their favorite teams and players, I felt the Lord impress this question upon my heart:
"Whose team do you play for?"
Not pretending. Not spectating. But, truly playing.
When people see and interact with you, what team jersey do they recognize? More importantly, whose name is on the back?
This isn’t an easy question—it requires deep reflection.
To be part of a championship team, personal sacrifices are inevitable. Matthew 6:33 instructs us to:
“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.”
This verse sets the foundation for prioritizing God’s kingdom—His goals—and aligning ourselves with His righteousness, or His way of doing things.