Have you ever played a team sport? If so, did you spend more time playing—or more time on the bench?
I played basketball and football growing up, but I was smaller than most kids my age and more of a marginal player. As a result, I spent far more time on the bench than in the game. And let me tell you—being a bench player is hard.
You join the team because you want to play, not sit. Yet you watch others get most of the minutes, the attention, and the recognition. You might get a few moments in the game here and there, but nothing like the starters or even the second string. And unless your team wins a championship, there’s usually no glory at all. Even then, only a little of it spills down to the bench.
It can be difficult to stay motivated when you feel unseen, underused, and uncelebrated.
But here’s the truth: there are no bench players in the Kingdom of God.
As a believer and a child of God, you are just as significant as any other believer. Pastors and ministry leaders may look like the quarterbacks and star players. They may appear to be “in the game” more than others. But they are not serving for recognition or glory—they are sacrificing their lives to serve the body of Christ.
Too often, members of the congregation don’t even see themselves as part of the team at all. They don’t think they’re in the game—or even on the bench. But God’s bench doesn’t exist. Everyone He calls, He calls with purpose.
If you feel like a bench player, hear this clearly: God has called you.
Jesus said, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.”
Mark 9:35 (NIV)
God’s Kingdom doesn’t operate on visibility—it operates on humility and obedience.
Jesus also warned us not to seek recognition from people:
“Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them… But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing… Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
Matthew 6:1–4 (NIV)
Never seek glory for yourself. Do what you do unto the Lord.
No act of kindness is too small. Jesus said,
“And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward.”
Matthew 10:42 (NIV)
When you choose kindness—especially toward those who are unthankful or unappreciative—because you want to show the love of Jesus, you are a star player in God’s eyes.
Prayer matters deeply in God’s Kingdom.
“…pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
James 5:16 (NIV)
And again,
“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone.”
1 Timothy 2:1 (NIV)
Praying for the body of Christ, for leaders, for nations, and for individuals is an unseen labor of love—but it releases God’s power and presence.
There truly are no bench players in the Kingdom of God. Some may receive honor from people, but those who quietly obey Jesus receive honor and reward from God—and that is the honor that lasts.
The world desperately needs believers fully engaged. God is calling everyone off the bench and into the game.
Jesus said, “Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done.”
Revelation 22:12 (NIV)
Ask God today to help you step fully into your calling—and play your part with faithfulness and joy.
