What’s worse: getting beat by your opponent because they’re better than you or getting beat because of strife within your own team? The worst teams I’ve been part of as an athlete or coach were those with internal problems. Preparing for an opponent is tough enough, but trying to “right the ship” from within is a different animal. In the Old Testament, as Nehemiah and his crew rebuilt the wall, they were oppressed by outside forces. They struggled financially and started to fight, creating dissension. Finally Nehemiah had enough. He put his foot down and held an “all team” meeting. I’m sure he did most of the talking.

We all deal with internal strife on our teams and pretty much anywhere there’s a group of people. Satan loves to destroy as much as he can. Internal problems will always be a part of life, but they take our focus off the real goal and purpose. Nehemiah put the focus back on God and uniting the body. That is a good lesson to follow. As Christians, we need to work toward unity. If we say we walk with Christ, we must act like it. Jesus handled others with grace, goodness, kindness, compassion, and love. He faced internal issues with His disciples by pointing them to the truth.