I’ve been riding the bench.

Jeb injured his shoulder in practice before school even started. He had surgery and has been sidelined his entire freshmen year. He’s been riding the bench and Amy and I have been right there with him. Oh, we’ve showed up and watched his team play. But we haven’t had much investment in it. We’ve clapped, cheered and hoped for the best but haven’t been all-in.

Last week, Jeb got released to play and he moved from the sideline to the court. And Amy and I moved from the bench to the game as well. Watching his team play is no more a laidback experience but more like a nail-biting fest. Our investment in the game has soared like the stock market on a good day.

Watching Jeb’s team play while he was sitting on the bench and watching when he’s on the court are two very distinct experiences. What’s the difference? There’s skin in the game.

Life is a lot different when there is skin in the game.

Being part of the church is the same way. We can get really good at riding the bench. Just showing up and going through the motions. Or watching online while we clap, cheer and hope for the best without any real investment in the Body of Christ. But God calls us to so much more. He calls us to be all-in! To have some skin in the game.

I’ve been riding the bench. My experience with Jeb’s team has taught me that there are too many places where I need some skin in the game. Where I need to take the next step. Places I need to move deeper in my walk with Christ.

How about you? Have you been spending too much time on the bench? Where do you need to get some skin in the game? What’s the next step for you? Where do you need to go deeper?

Ryan