Spectator or Player?

Today's blog post is contributed by Denise Friedman -

Are you witnessing God’s Holy Spirit moving in your life or the lives of those around you?  Did you realize that you have a responsibility as you see the Holy Spirit flowing in and around you? Today I want to share one thing you are responsible for during this time.

First, you have a responsibility to join what God is doing, not just watch.  Many individuals love to “people watch” and it is sometimes fascinating to see what other do around us.  However, when you are watching, you are not part of the advancement of the Kingdom on earth. 

Since football season is just beginning, let me use that as an example.  Imagine watching your favorite team all year.  Each week, you root for them, noting the great plays, grimacing in pain as a player is injured, expressing upset when the team loses.  As it gets closer to playoff season, your role as a fan becomes more intense as your team wins more games and eventually makes it to the Superbowl.  The day of the big game arrives and you watch with great anticipation. Your team wins the Superbowl with an amazing victory!

Imagine after that game, you speak to everyone you know about your victory and tell them how you won the game.  Sounds kind of silly doesn’t it?  You did not step onto the field once.  Step on the field, you didn’t even attend a practice with the team.  There is no way you can claim to be part of that victory, all you did was watch from your living room!

While this may be acceptable as a football fan, God does not intend for us to be spectators in His Kingdom.  He wants us in practice, preparing.  He wants participating in the game.  At times, this may involve just setting on the bench, encouraging our teammates, and that is our expected role.  However, at other times, He wants us on the field, fighting for victory!

Today, ask God how He wants you to join his kingdom, not just be a spectator!