The best players in sport are those that effectively play both sides of the ball, defense and offense. They guard well and get buckets. So much of their greatness is defined by being a two-way player. They’re the ones who’ve really got game.

Are you one?

As 2 Peter closes, the apostle Peter challenges us to become two-way players spiritually. Let’s take a closer look at what this means.

GUARDING: Be spiritual ”rim protectors.” Defend the truth of the gospel.

“Lawless men” (false teachers, spiritual hustlers, counterfeit religions) spiritually prey on those ignorant of the Word. They downsize Jesus, minimize Scripture, marginalize truth, doubt His return, cheapen His grace, push prosperity, sell special knowledge and proclaim a freedom that eventually enslaves. They carry people away.

Let’s not let these kinds of people score on us or our teammates. Let’s not let our confidence in Christ, in who God says we are in Him, be shaken.

Commit to defense. Be immune to coercion. Know the Scriptures really well. Get in front of sound doctrine and good teaching faithfully. Rightly divide the Word of Truth. Guard the house.

GROWING: Peter also says to grow our offensive game. He highlights two moves in particular.

First, become a grace guy. Receive it. Give it. All the time. Score this ball. God’s grace is so irresistible, unstoppable. It’s the best move to make.

Let grace wow you and then wow others through you. Learn grace. Score with grace. Grace wins.

Second, expand Jesus’ scoring range in you by growing your knowledge and understanding of Him on two crucial fronts: Savior and Lord. “Savior” means He’s the only one who makes us righteous, so stop trying to self-justify.

“Lord” means I bow the knee to Him as King and #FollowTheLeader for life. Whatever He says goes. He’s that worthy.

God’s Word indeed challenges us to become two-way players. Guarding the truth is imperative. And growing in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ are the two scores we gotta get every day.

Reflect: How’s your spiritual defense? Is the enemy of your soul scoring on you? Where do you need to tighten up the D? What truth do you need to defend or apply?

Are you relentlessly committed to growing in grace and following an amazing, undefeated, worthy Savior-Lord?

A prayer to consider: LORD, I wanna be a two-way player for You. I wanna guard the truth and get spiritual buckets, not just physical ones. Help me in my journey. To You be glory both now and forever! Amen.