“But our presentable parts have no need (of clothing). Instead,
God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the
less honorable,so that there would be no division in the body, but
that the members would have the same concern for each other.”
– 1 Corinthians 12:24-26

What more liberating experience is there than to feel whole, purposeful and in sync? We practice together, we play together, we win and lose together. Coaches preach that you don’t just give your all to the game, you give your all to your team. Emmitt Smith’s induction speech into the NFL Hall of Fame is a perfect example. With tears of gratitude, he thanked his family, former coaches, and teammates for helping him reach the pinnacle of football, but his most heartfelt thanks went to Daryl Johnston, the Dallas Cowboy fullback who cleared the path for many of Smith’s great runs. “You mean the world to me,” Smith told Johnston, asking him to stand up and be recognized by the crowd. “Not because we shared the same backfield, but because you sacrificed so much for me. Without you, I know today would not have been possible. I love you from the bottom of my heart.”

Playing as a team generates transforming power. An African-American Emmitt Smith, from Pensacola, Florida, and the University of Florida pronouncing his love and affection for a white Daryl Johnston, from Youngstown, New York, and Syracuse University. Wow! As the body of Christ, we have all been given gifts. It’s important to remember that even though we are not gifted in the same way, we are linked together. What affects one member of the team affects the entire team. We need each other. We belong to each other. We affect each other. Together we can accomplish great things.

Father, thank You for the gifts You have given me. Help me see that these gifts were not intended for my benefit, but for Your glory and in service to others. Make me a team player in the Body of Christ. Amen.