In a recent survey, managers and employees were asked what aspects of their job were most important to them. The results uncovered that while the managers focused on things such as job security and benefits, the employees simply wanted to know that they were contributing—that what they were doing made a difference.

What is the first thing that we as athletes or coaches look for when we see the new team photograph? Ourselves, right? We all do. We are naturally selfish beings. Coaches might say, “There’s no ‘I’ in ‘team,’” but no matter how many times we reiterate this point, the “I” is always a problem. We fight a daily battle with selfishness, which of course affects how we contribute not only to our teams or businesses but also to our families—and even to our relationship with Christ.

Though it is human nature to be self-centered, it is also in our nature to genuinely want to make a contribution. However, the two are often in conflict with each other. This is why we should check our motives whenever we are in a position to give. Do we want to contribute based on the “I” or on the “team”? Is it about the “me” or about the “we”?

Jesus Christ was the only human who did not yield to selfish tendencies. He offered the greatest contribution humanity has ever known: the sacrifice of His life for our sins! In order to make a powerful impact for Christ and contribute our gifts to building His kingdom, we are called to follow His selfless example. Through His power in us, we can live out Jesus’ words in Luke 9:23, denying ourselves in following Him. When we do, it will undoubtedly lead to the most significant contribution we’ll ever make!