Let’s Go, Team!

"Dad, why do we go to church so much?" asked Denver one Sunday as the family got into the car. "We go more than any of my friends do. Why do we go so often?"

"To worship God," came the reply from Denver's brother, Austin. "And to learn more about Jesus."

"Those are good reasons," Dad agreed, "but there's also another one. Denver, remember last fall when your soccer coach challenged the eighth grade team to a match against your team?"

"Sure," said Denver. "That was fun."

"What happened in the game?" Dad asked.

Denver laughed. "We won! Even though the eighth graders were older and bigger than us, we beat 'em pretty good!"

"And why was that?" asked Dad.

"Well, most of the eighth graders were good athletes and had played soccer before, but our team started practicing several weeks before their team did. They hadn't had much practice time before the game, so they weren't used to working together."

"And why did your coach set up that game?" Dad asked.

"Coach said it was to show us the importance of team preparation," Denver answered. "He said that even though each player is in good shape, a team still has to practice together in order to win. I think the game proved he's right about that."

"I think so too," said Dad as he maneuvered the car into a space in the church parking lot. "As Christians, we're members of God's team. Spending time with Jesus in our own personal prayer and Bible study times is important, but meeting with other Christians challenges us, unites us, and encourages us. It strengthens us as the body of Christ--God's team of people who show His love to the world--and helps make us ready to work together to serve Him."

"So then going to church is kind of like going to team practice," said Austin.

Denver thought about that, then nodded. "Okay, you're right. That's a good reason to be here!" Karen R. Locklear