Set 

Between plays, during timeouts, in the middle of the game and at the end, ball boys and water girls are vital to football games. They do not play in the game, but the game could not be played without them.

Ball boys are ready to throw a ball in whenever needed. They collect the footballs, retrieve them after kicks, and are always prepared with a ball in hand. If they do their job poorly, the game will suffer.

Water girls also are vital. Without water, athletes’ bodies will shut down. With a water bottle in their hands, water girls are always prepared to hydrate the athletes. If they do their job poorly, the game and the athletes will suffer.

In our lives, we must have the same vision: provide for our brothers and sisters in Christ. We must be ready to come alongside our teammates, friends, classmates and family to provide for their needs. Some of our teammates may need encouragement. Some may need prayer. Others may need a compliment, a friendly reminder, or even help studying for a test or practicing their swing. If we approach life like a ball boy or water girl, we will live a life of service to those around us.

However, if we slack off and disregard having a servant’s heart to those around us, they will suffer. We must be ready to love our brothers and sisters and provide for what they may need. We may not be able to provide for them 100 percent of the time, but that’s OK. If we keep an eye out for what they may need, we can direct them to someone else who can help. And we can always remind them that God can help them in ways no one else can.

We can only provide if we are in the game. Let us not get distracted or worry only about our own game of life, but let us be ready and eager to serve and love others in their own game of life.