READY
“When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name.” - Ephesians 3:14-15
SET
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. The enthusiasm from my high school team was not for the athlete who scored the most points at Regional’s, but the teammate whose eighth-place finish gave us the one-point boost to take second place. 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 talk about our role in the body of Christ. Every one of us brings our gift to the table and play 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 own 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. Every one of them possess gifts and talents that help build you up just as your gifts and contributions matter for everyone else. The actions and love of every believer toward every person matters.
It is important for every player to show up and give their all regardless of how they feel or the type of season they think they’re having. The team’s success depends on whether every player decides to give their all. 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 slack. There is something special about every team member doing their part and giving their all for the same goal.
GO
What strengths and gifts do you bring to your team?
What’s one strength or gift that you appreciate about each teammate?
In what ways can you show up for your teammates with your unique gifts?
WORKOUT
OVERTIME
Father, every person on my team, in my life and around the world is created and loved by You. We all have gifts via our talent and personality to honor You. Help me to show up every day with mine. Help me also appreciate what each person brings and to love them as You commanded. In Jesus’ name, amen.