Team United
By JoshCarter
"So that there would be no division in the body, but that the members would have the same concern for each other. So if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it." — 1 Corinthians 12:25–26
All-star quarterback Jack Kemp and his teammates boycotted the 1965 AFL All-Star game in New Orleans “as a statement against the racial climate in the city.” Jack’s black teammates were not treated with the same respect as he and his white teammates, and because they were a “team united,” they did something about it. As a result,the game was moved to another city.
The “body” talked about in 1 Corinthians 12 is the “body of Christ” (v. 27), the church. In this body, just as with a team, we all have different abilities, but we are all vital to the success of the church as a whole. As Christians, we must look past the differences of our brothers and sisters and work together as a team united to advance the cause of Christ in this world.
Jack Kemp goes on to say, “Every team requires unity. A team has to move as one unit, one force, with each person understanding and assisting the roles of his teammates.” Whether it’s with our coaching staff and the team, or our Christian brothers and sisters in the church, we must work toward unity today so that we will achieve our common purpose.
1. Is your coaching staff unified? Why?
2. How are you working with other Christians to advance the gospel of Christ?
3. What could you do to improve the unity on your staff and team?
Extra Reading: John 17:20–23; 1 Corinthians 12:12–27; Philippians 2:1–4
Lord, help me to understand how best to achieve unity in every area of life for Your glory. Lord, I pray for unity with my family, my team, and my fellow believers to work together to accomplish Your plans. Amen.