Two of the most memorable moments of my track and field career were at championship meets—Regional Championships my senior year of high school and ACC Indoor Championships my freshman year in college. What stood out the most was not my individual success but the phenomenon of the team’s success. I was amazed again in college that every member of our team, whether she placed or not, earned a ring just because she competed as part of the championship team.

Ephesians 4 and 1 Corinthians 12 in the Bible talk about our role in the body of Christ. Every one of us brings our gift to the table and plays a role in building up the Church: “Growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love” (Ephesians 4:15–16).

As a follower of Jesus Christ, you are part of a family with members that span countries, colors, cultures and languages. They all possess gifts and talents that help build you up, just as your gifts and contributions matter to everyone else. The actions and love of every believer toward every person matter.

Every player needs to show up and give their all regardless of how they feel or the type of season they think they’re having. Even if a teammate or two is having a rough game, the zeal of the rest of the team can be enough to help pick up the slack. There is something special about every team member doing their part and giving their all for the same goal.