But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

I played football, baseball, and basketball for many years as a child and young adult, and being on the winning team was always more fun! In grade school there were typically a couple of awesome players, a couple of those who were “less skilled”, and the rest were average. When teams got picked, you had to try and impress or be friends with the really good players to get on the right team.

Later on in High School, not everyone made the team. Some were cut. Then, of those who made the team, not everyone played. Many sat on the bench as backups. And of those who played football, 15 to 22 players typically started. And the most skilled athletes started both ways. If you go to a large school, there is a bigger weeding out process for football, because only 11 players can be on the field at one time.

I played on winning teams and losing teams, I played with good and bad players. I could not single-handedly change the outcome of the game. I could make only a measured impact. So I focused on the impact I could make, and performed to the best of my ability.

As I look at this passage, I can't help but think about the spiritual team God has put me on. I have great teammates all with different skills, called The Body of Christ. My fellow Christians, my brothers and sisters in Christ, are what makes my life be full of blessings.

We also know that God sent us the Holy Spirit to be on our team. He is the wisest coach in the game of life. He is also one with the best player of all time — Jesus Christ! 2) The Holy Spirit’s job is not mainly to give us gifts, but to remind us of the gifts we have already been given by Jesus and to teach us how to use them to the glory of God. 3) Jesus gives us peace. This peace is not an empty promise or a fleeting or eroding peace; IT IS AN EVERLASTING PEACE, given from the Prince of Peace! 4) Jesus does not give as the world gives. His gifts are given with a coach and guide, the Holy Spirit, to equip us to use them.

I imagine, what if I had Reggie White (who played for the Philadelphia Eagles), one of the greatest defensive linemen when I was growing up, as my personal coach and mentor in football? Would I develop my skills better? Sure! Would I have played at a higher level in high school? You bet! I probably would have even qualified for better scholarships, based on who coached me.

Well, spiritually speaking, we have a “Reggie White times 1000”, as our coach and mentor, the Holy Spirit. Will I respect and honor this great gift? Will I spend time with him and study his ways? Will I obey his commands (like plays) and train and practice them?

Lord, thank you for giving me gifts that last for eternity! You are an incredible gift giver! I plan to not waste the time of the mentor and coach who waits to train me daily in your ways. I will show up and I will practice as he leads!