A photo and statement seen last week has been prompting some thoughts for days.
The photo showed the bench of a college basketball team. Each player was up on their feet or jumping. They were clapping, yelling, and cheering with all their might. The image was a powerful one. Then came the statement:
Until it's my turn, I'll keep clapping, cheering, and encouraging others. pic.twitter.com/G0KHh443Cq
— Jamy Bechler (@CoachBechler) November 16, 2025
The photo and statement began a conversation between my son, a woman’s college basketball coach) and myself.
It made me realize not only for sports, but in life, we need to change our perspective. “Being on the bench” does not equate with being sidelined, or not good enough. It means we have a different role temporarily. We are to inspire, motivate, encourage, and excite the ones who are in the game.
When those in the game know there are others depending on them, the tendency is not only to work harder, but to stay in the game with determination.
As the days passed, the statement continued to stay in my thoughts. Fixated on the role of the bench, those on the bench became more important in their role.
Investment can be defined as devoting time, abilities, or emotional energy to something in particular.
If you are not invested while on the bench, then when you get put in the game, you won’t be invested either. Feeling invested starts on the bench. It begins inside of you.
“Be that person who roots for others.”
(anonymous)
“Do you see what this means –
all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us
on? It means we’d better get on with it.
Strip down, start running – and
never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins.
Keep your eyes
on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he
did it.
Because he never lost sight of where he was headed – that
exhilarating finish in and with God –
he could put up with anything
along the way: Cross, shame, whatever.
And now he’s there, in the place
of honor, right alongside God.
When you find yourselves flagging in your
faith, go over that story again, item by item,
that long litany of
hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your
souls!”
(Hebrews 12:1-2, MSG)
The writer of Hebrews explains to us that some are on the bench, the sidelines; and some are in the race. Those on the side are cheering for they are the veterans who know how hard it is to keep on going. They know the challenges and hardships they themselves had to overcome.
For those in the race, the writer of Hebrews explains to us very clearly what we are to do –
We are to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus.
Study how He lived.
Keep going over His story for it will infuse us with His strength to keep running.
Reflection:
How do you view yourself – as on the bench or in the race? Wherever you are, what can you currently do to fulfill your purpose?
Photo by Katrina Berban on Unsplash
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