Trying Out For Heaven

We are officially knee-deep in the start of basketball season! Tryouts were concluded last week, and cut day is such an incredibly hard day; as a player and even as a coach. To have to look players in the eye and tell them there isn’t a spot on the team (despite it being a very competitive and close tryout) is something that never gets easier. To have to explain that unfortunately, there is a gap in skill or fundamentals between those being cut and those that made it, and then to help them through the wave of emotions that follow while still encouraging them forward… it’s heart-wrenching.

All of this got me thinking, what if Jesus held a tryout for His disciples? What if He held one for followers today? Would His disciples back then still make “the team”? Better yet, would you or I?

Would doubting Thomas make the cut with his questions and moments of uncertainty? Would Simon Peter, with his impulsive choices and emotional swings, find himself on the bubble? We already know John was fast (he did beat Peter to the tomb) but would he be fast enough to make the roster? It’s all fun to think about until I turn the question on myself. Would Jesus want me on His team based on what I bring or what I can do? What about my daily disciplines, how I use my words, or how I handle my anger? When I look through that lens, it gets uncomfortable quickly.

The short answer to this is thank goodness there are no tryouts for God’s Kingdom. Thank goodness Jesus tore down the legalistic mindset that says our worth or acceptance depends on our performance. Our faith is not earned through perfect fundamentals; it’s given through grace. Jesus offers the gift of salvation freely, and that gift becomes the foundation for transformation and growth.

But here’s the key, grace doesn’t eliminate the need for growth; it inspires it. Just like a basketball player who commits to improving their fundamentals after a setback, our spiritual life calls us to refine our “faith fundamentals.” That means developing daily habits that build our foundation: prayer, Scripture, community, humility, and service. We don’t do these things to earn a spot-on God’s team, we desire to do these things to grow our relationship with the one who gave everything for us.

So, this season, as I think about the players working to sharpen their skills, I’m also challenging myself (and you) to focus on Fundamental Growth:

1. Prayer – Start and end your day with intentional conversation with God.

2. Study – Spend time in His Word, not just reading but reflecting and applying.

3. Community – Surround yourself with believers who challenge and encourage you.

4. Action – Live out your faith tangibly; serve, forgive, love boldly.

5. Reflection – Be coachable. Let the Holy Spirit correct and guide you toward spiritual maturity.

Growth, in basketball or in faith, isn’t about perfection, it’s about progression. Jesus doesn’t cut us when we fall short; He coaches us through it. So, whether you’re on the court or in your quiet time, keep showing up, keep learning, and keep growing your fundamentals in faith.

“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
— Philippians 1:6