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A Volleyball Parable

Written by Cara Henry


A volleyball parable:

The game of volleyball in many ways is similar to how the body of Christ often operates.

-We are all members of one body or one team and must work together, we cannot function alone.

-Just as the members of the body of Christ all have different gifts so each team member plays a different part.

-In the body of Christ there is the gift of the encourager, the one who edifies and supports others in their walk of faith. In the game of volleyball, there is usually at least one person who will cheer you on for your effort to hit the ball, even if you don't make it, they will reassure you that your effort was commendable and it was a nice try. How refreshing to hear those words from a Christian brother or sister when we wonder if we are getting anywhere in our Christian growth. When our hearts really in it all the way, it is our effort and attitude that pleases the Lord

-In the body of Christ, there are those ones who are faithful and dependable. I guess you could say they are the ones who have the gift of service. In the game of volleyball, there is usually one really dependable player who saves the ball almost every time. They are the ones you are glad to have on your team. In both cases people tend to count on those with this gift a little too much. How often we don't really make an effort to go after the ball when we are aware of that player being right behind or beside us. How many times a play was lost because of that person being overburdened. Also in the body of Christ you will see that there is always the same people doing the most needed jobs and everyone knows they do it well. So, others are reluctant to offer to help because they see these few doing the job so well. We can learn a lesson and not overburden or depend too much on these special players, remembering to play our part in the team.

-There are those warriors in the body of Christ who don't hesitate to get on their face and battle in prayer for the team. Just as in volleyball, they are willing to dive face down in the sand to save the ball. In both cases it requires one who is very fervent and willing to pay the price for the cause.

-Unfortunately in both settings we also have those who are along for a free ride. These are the ones who just stand there and watch the rest of the team sweat it out. They enjoy feeling like they are a part of the victory even though they wouldn't recognize an opportunity even if it hit them in the head.

-There are those with the gift of administration. They are there to remind us where we are supposed to be and what position we play.

-There are those who have the gift of organization. They usually take attendance or are the ones who keep track of the score.

-There is the one we will call a "people person." In the body of Christ, these people don't thrive in areas of service, but are interested in working with people, of any age. Getting a person to smile is their main objective. They aren't as interested in the long term goal as much as making sure everyone is having fun doing it. These are the ones on the team who have an endless supply of humorous comments for the other people on their team, as well as the other team.

-Another common aspect I observed is in dealing with the opponent. In the Christian life, Satan's most effective strategy is intimidation. If he can put a little fear in you, he can hinder your ability to score for the kingdom of God. Just as in volleyball, he can't cross over the net to get you but he can threaten you right at the net so you lose your focus and miss an opportunity. How often when playing volleyball, do those aggressive players of the other team meet you right at the net waiting to spike the ball as soon as it crosses the line.

-The enemy also knows the weak spot on the team. He waits and watches and knows right where to serve the ball. He knows when a player is not paying attention and he makes his move. This player might hit the ball but rarely does it make it over. The other members of the team have to share the burden and fight to get the ball over together. When we grow weary in our prayer lives, it is necessary for others to join in praying with you and pray it through to victory.

-Lets not forget about the well known "ball hog." This person may be commended for their fervency, although they need to remember to be faithful to the position they were put in and not try to fill all the positions alone. There are those in the body of Christ that don't ask for help when they need it. They are so used to doing everything that needs to be done that they decide it is just easier to do it themselves. Maybe they don't think anyone will do it right, "if you want something done right, you've got to do it yourself" they think. This another lesson that can be learned from the game. The body of Christ and the members of the team in volleyball will both work for the best when we rely on each other as a team and each do our own part as best as we can.