I love football. It all started when my dad took me to my first Penn State game when I was in my late teens. The enthusiasm and energy in the stadium ignited my passion and love of the game. Thousands of people cheered as one.
Recently we visited State College. My husband and I drove past the stadium. In my mind I still heard the roar of the crowd. Oh, those wonderful host of memories of many Saturdays spent in Happy Valley, passionately rooting for my team!
HOW DOES A TEAM FUNCTION?
How does a successful team function? The outcome of any game depends on how well the players work together as a whole. The success of each member on the field depends on being united together with one purpose: to build up and strengthen the team as a crew. (And hopefully, win the game!)
GIFTING TO COMPLEMENT EACH OTHER
In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul addresses the subject of unity in the church; God’s Team. He compares the body of Christ to a human body, having many parts but one body. Every part is unique in its function, contributing to the health of the whole. Verse 18 says, “But God made our bodies with many parts, and he has put each part just where he wants it.” Each member of the church body is given a specific gift or ability. These gifts are meant to complement each other.
EACH GIFT IS GOOD ENOUGH
Like a well-run football team, we each have our own positions and responsibilities. In a streamlined team, there is no jealousy regarding another team member’s gift. Also, no team member feels as if their gift is not good enough.
USING OUR GIFTS
As God chooses to gift believers, we are to use our abilities to build up and strengthen the rest of the Body. Despite our differences, we have one thing in common: our faith in Jesus Christ. This unites us together for one purpose: to build up and strengthen the church to serve and glorify our God.
A UNIFIED TEAM
So how does a healthy body glorify God? We do so by carrying out His commandments. “So now I am giving you a new commandment. Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for each other will prove to the world that you are my disciples” (John 13: 34-35). Jesus commands us to love and serve each other, to keep the church body united in a world that seeks to destroy and divide it.
This love spreads further. By loving those outside the church, we play a part in building and strengthening our community and the world around us. When we remember how much God loves us, we are better able to love others.
THE ROAR FROM HEAVEN
Are you a team player, using your God-given talents to build up and strengthen others? Are you loving as Jesus loved? Ephesians 4:16 says, “From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” Together as God’s team, by building each other up, we can win at bringing glory to God. Listen to hear the roar of the heaven cheering you on.