New Life Sunday - Know your role, play it well....

January 31st, 2025

If you’ve ever watched kids play sports, you know it’s an adventure. Over the years, our kids have played everything from soccer to basketball, football to taekwondo. We’ve cheered from the sidelines, held our breath during close calls, and tried (unsuccessfully) not to coach from the stands.

One thing sports teach—besides the fine art of grass stains and bruises—is the importance of discipline, humility, and courage. No matter the sport, every player has a role. The goalie doesn’t try to score goals (or at least not typically, though we’ve seen it a few times ?), the quarterback doesn’t play defense (unless things have gone terribly wrong), and in taekwondo, you definitely don’t turn your back on an opponent unless you want a swift lesson in humility.

Of course, every team needs a coach, and a good coach will pull a player aside and say, “Hey, this is your role. Here’s how you can contribute best to the team.” And in that moment, the athlete has a choice—listen, adapt, and grow, or resist and struggle.

This Sunday, we’re looking at 1 Timothy 2:8-15, where Paul is coaching the church, reminding us that every person has an important role to play. He encourages men to lead in prayer with focus and without distraction. He instructs women on how they should serve and carry themselves in a way that honors God’s design. While this passage can stir up some discussion, the big takeaway is this: every person in the church matters, and every person has a role in God’s kingdom.

Just like on a sports team, we don’t all play the same position, but we all contribute to the mission. Some lead, some teach, some encourage, and some serve quietly in ways that keep everything running. The key is to embrace our God-given role with humility, courage, and a willingness to listen to our ultimate Coach—God Himself.

So, as we come together this Sunday, let’s commit to two things:

Pray without distraction.

Serve within our calling.

Because when we each play our part well, the whole team wins. I sure hope to see you this Sunday at our temporary location at The Harlow Event Space, 1525 Grand Ave., Kansas City, MO. Our services are still at 8:00, 9:15 (Full KidCity available), or 10:45 am (Full KidCity available), or you can watch the Livestream on YouTube (Like and Subscribe) or on our New Life website at 9:15 am.

Have a great evening,

Troy

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