Role Players
Every good team has them. They are the unsung heroes of championship caliber franchises. Every star player knows the role players who are indispensable to the success of the team. Wayne Gretzky scored 62 goals in 1986-87 and led the Edmonton Oilers to win the Stanley Cup. For context, the 2024-25 NHL leader for goals was Leon Draisaitl with 52 goals (also an Oiler). Gretzky was the undisputed star of the team. But what about Dave Hunter? Hunter was a former first round draft pick and played big minutes for the Oilers that year and was a mainstay on the team throughout the 1980’s. But no one remembers him (except maybe a few Oiler diehards). Hunter only scored 9 goals the entire season but played against the opponent’s top players to shut them down. Dave Hunter was the definition of a role player–he owned it and earned a spot for his name on the Stanley Cup.
Here’s a question: Who is the star player in your life?
We all have one. If we’re honest, we can probably admit that, in our minds, we can feel like the star player. But is this really what’s best for us? Is having our own needs, desires, comforts and preferences the most important thing good or healthy? In our world today, we are told to take care of ourselves, to do what makes us feel good and not let any outside influence tell us otherwise. The world is telling us that we are the star players in our own lives. But how is that working out?
More people are becoming depressed and anxious than in previous generations. Online hookup sites and apps serve to meet every sexual desire. Pornography runs rampant and is basically accepted as morally neutral. Gaming is on the rise and virtual reality offers an escape from the real world when we feel like we just want to get away. “If it feels good to you, go for it” is the ethic of the day and it’s wreaking devastation.
Jesus offers something better. When he ascended from earth after rising from the dead, he said to his followers: “You will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) Jesus effectively said he was the only one worthy of being the star player on his team–we are supposed to be the role players. Our role is to tell people about him in everything we do.
How often do you think about this? Have you taken a step back to ask if you’re playing your role or trying to be the star player in your life? Maybe that’s all you’ve known or seen. Maybe you’ve been trying all sorts of things to satisfy the deep desires of your heart, thinking those desires are what matters most in life. Let me tell you–that doesn’t lead to the hope, joy and peace we crave. What delivers peace and hope that surpasses all our understanding? What allows us to endure everything life throws at us? Only a deep trust in Jesus and living to make much of him can deliver the abiding peace, joy and hope we really want.
Would you consider making Jesus the star player of your life? You won’t regret it.