3 point sermon watching the 3 point shot

Tonight I watched the Trinity College of Florida Men's Div. II NCCAA basketball team play and win over Weber International JV. The TCF Tiger's won last nights game against the PHSC Bobcats as well. So how did I get a three point sermon from watching great players make 3 point shots? I brought a 360 camera to capture some footage of the game. I wanted the view to be right behind the player bench, as I set up the camera they were so into the game they did not even notice I was there. 

Sermon point #1. Reverential Respect. The respect the players have for each other, the other team,  coaches and even the referees, all were a fine example of how each of us should treat everyone we encounter. The Word of God says, "So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets" Matthew 7:12. 

Sermon point #2. Rejoice with those who rejoice. With a decent point spread I watched the coach get players off the bench and into the game. There was a moment when one player scored his first basket of the season, the entire team erupted with joy. They were rejoicing with their brother, that rejoicing gave that player confidence. It was immediately obvious to me how much that boost from his teammates mattered to him individually. "Rejoice with those who rejoice..." Romans 12:15. The takeaway from this is obvious, obeying the command to rejoice with those who rejoice is something we should prioritize. It does make a huge difference, it is what loving, kind authentic people do. This leads me to the third point...

Sermon point #3. Seize the moment. I have come to know some of these players, I had a few of them in my class last semester as an adjunct professor, so I know some of the hardships, mountains they have had to climb to get where they are. But the thing that impresses me is not just them overcoming obstacles, what impresses me, they know how to live in the moment, making the most of it. I watched during several of the games I have seen (thankfully due to livestream on Facebook) and in person, these athletes genuinely enjoy the game, the challenge and the opportunity they have to play DIV II ball. What many do not realize, NCCAA rules prohibit athletic scholarships. This is ab0ut the love of the game, the ups and downs. Most of all, about building each other up, challenging one another. "making the best use of the time, because the days are evil" Ephesians 5:16. Seize the moment, make good use of the time you have, even if it is only a few minutes of play in the season. There was no half-hearted effort put in with these players, they were making the most of their time. 

I took away a great example from these players tonight, God has been working in my heart lately about making the most of my time and opportunities he has given me, I believe the Holy Spirit gave me an awareness tonight, I have a new respect for the athletes, I rejoice with their wins, and I am taking their example of however long I have on this earth, I am going to go for the three point shot with confidence. Go Tigers!