Reading today from “Coach Wooden One on One” he shared his definition of Team Spirit as, “A willingness to lose oneself in the group for the good of the whole” yet he realized something was missing.  He modified the definition by one word better representing the definition and intent.  Team Spirit, “An eagerness to lose oneself in the group for the good of the whole”

He stated, if we are willing to do something it doesn’t necessarily mean we want to.  On the other hand if we eagerly want do a task, our earnestness will show.  We are going to work hard, take extra care and put in overtime.

This really hit me between the eyes and heart.  Immediately, I was forced to consider, am I always “eager” to do the Lord’s work, eager to read my bible & hear His words, eager to be His hands and feet, eager to pray?  Am I?  I can say at times yes, I am eager yet, unfortunately, there are other times my heart is only willing. 

Why though?  Why at times am I not eager, not eager to spend time in dedicated, travailing prayer for example.  Considering this, I know I must be truthful, even vulnerable with the Lord. I have to stop doing the temporary things and get after the eternal.  I must repent of my sins and honestly desire His will in things, not my own.  His Kingdom come, His will be done. Yet too many times I see I am pursuing my will, my to do list, my comfort, my ideas.  Just what the enemy wants me to be doing.  Yet, the Lord calls me to be about His business. His eternal business.  Dying to myself is more than being a willing vessel for the Lord, it is being an EAGER vessel for the Lord.  An Eager, fruitful vessel, pleasing Him and not myself.  For His glory. 

Thank You Jesus for this revelation, for Your word that speaks to my heart!  Please forgive me Lord for the times my heart has been in just a willing state vs an eager state.  I see now that there are times my selfishness and self-serving ways have crept in demanding attention, reducing the output of my life on Your behalf.  How I have at times settled for willing and missed the opportunity and the joy in wanting to, in being eager.  Eager to be in your word, Eager to do your will, Eager to come before your throne of grace.  Eager to be in service to You, my King.  Help me Lord to recognize when my selfishness kicks in and my heart falls from eager to only willing and to repent, and start a fresh EAGER in You and for You.  You deserve nothing less.  In Jesus Name, Amen.

Let us encourage one another in the honor and privilege we have in serving the King of Kings.  Let us be eager in the Lord’s business.  Expectant and excited for what He has called us to and will do in and through it.

Additional references

Websters 1828 Definition of Eager (adjective)

1. Excited by ardent desire in the pursuit of any object; ardent to pursue, perform or obtain; inflamed by desire; ardently wishing or longing. The soldiers were eager to engage the enemy. Men are eager in the pursuit of wealth. The lover is eager to possess the object of his affections.

References from God’s word (shared by Coach Wooden)

• Psalm 105:1, Psalm 62:8
• Matthew 6:7-13
• Romans 12:12
• Ephesians 1:15-23 and Ephesians 6:10-20