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Listen while you read: "Give Thanks To God"1 (Lyrics) |
At this time of year, some sports teams such as baseball reach the conclusion of their year, while other sports, such as basketball and hockey, start their year. A team is defined simply as persons working together.
As we watch the top teams, we can name the leading players on each team. Frequently, however, the star players will state, correctly, that their outstanding performances were possible only because of the performance of the other members of the team.
Even stars in individual sports like golf or tennis often mention the outstanding work done by other members of their supporting team.
Indeed, because of the corporate aspect of life, we are all members of a team whether we realize it or not. Paul, writing to the church in Corinth, tells us that as Christians, we are part of the body of Christ, which means that we are involved with other Christians. He gives a simple illustration of how our body shows that all our parts are needed to constitute a complete body or team:
1 Corinthians 12:14-20 – For the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. (ESV)
Just as a spectator isn't a member of the team, neither are you or I, unless we are willing to do our part. While players say that they are encouraged by cheering fans, to really be part of the team, we must be there actively doing our best, regardless of how large or small our part is. Paul gives us clear directions:
Romans 12:4-8 – For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. (ESV)
Are we spectators, or active participants?
Prayer: Dear Father, help us to be active members of Your team, following the lead of Jesus, helping others in all we do. In His name, we pray. Amen.
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A great reminder, Vince.
This one is a keeper. Thank you!
Great and timely analogy Vincent. Thanks!
Thanks for the daily devotional. It is a blessing.
Thank you for your writing, Vincent. A blessing to all, it is.
A very meaningful positive message! Thank you!
(N.S.)
Thank you, Vincent, for sharing this encouraging devotional with us. Blessings.
A very important truth, Vincent. Thanks for the reminder and may God bless you!
Thank you for your devotional. Good to think about what team we are on and if we are “pulling our weight”.
Thanks, Vince, for another of your special writings. Yes, our life is much better when we team with our loving Lord and share His ways with others. Blessings as you continue writing devotionals.
Thank you, Vincent. This is so true and so hard to follow sometimes:
“to really be part of the team, we must be there actively doing our best, regardless of how large or small our part is”
Troubling all too many leadership teams in congregations do not get the concept of working together like football team produces fruit. One of my yard stick giftedness for the office Ruling Elder … team player. Blessings Vincent! In Christ’s service.
Good morning, Vincent,
You are a member of the PrebyCan team, and I appreciate your sharing on a regular basis as an active participant. PresbyCan would not exist if there were not people willing to share their faith with others.
Someone said there are 5,000 readers a day of this devotional. That is truly active.
Thank you for your commitment. I am grateful for your thoughts and ideas that you share. May you continue to be inspired and blessed.
Vincent, Thank-you for sharing this devotional. I volunteer at our church with the young adult ministry and need more participation. Your sports analogy is something that I’ll use to encourage folks to get in the game vs be a spectator. Loved what you wrote…. “Just as a spectator isn’t a member of the team, neither are you or I, unless we are willing to do our part. While players say that they are encouraged by cheering fans, to really be part of the team, we must be there actively doing our best, regardless of how large or small our part is.”
Will use this to motivate the young adults to use their gifts and talents to serve God and others. Keep up the good work. Thanks for being in the game!
(MD)