“The eye cannot say to the hand, I have no need of you,
nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
– 1 Corinthians 12:21 (ESV)

People were hungry for sports as we navigated through the COVID pandemic shutdown. This certainly had a part to play in the much-discussed airing of “The Last Dance.” The documentary took us on an in-depth journey into the life of Michael Jordan during the Chicago Bulls’ 1997-98 championship season. Jordan played the lead role in the Bulls’ dynasty which produced six NBA titles over an eight-year period. There has been a great deal of criticism over how Jordan and others were portrayed. Many complain that Jordan comes off looking like a superhero while others are ripped apart. As the story unfolded, I began to ask myself, “Would the Bulls have had the same success with a team full of Michael Jordan’s?” In my way of thinking, the answer is a definite no! While Jordan made those around him better, he was also better because of the talents of his teammates and opponents. Scotty Pippen was the perfect complement to Jordan. Horace Grant did a great deal of dirty work that helped Jordan excel. I think it’s obvious that Jordan played at his highest level when going against his greatest rivals like Isaiah Thomas, Larry Bird, and Reggie Miller. They brought out the best in each other.

Have you ever wondered why people are the way they are? Wouldn’t it be better if everyone thought and acted like you do? As I look at the guy in the mirror, the answer is an emphatic no! Some people grow up in the city while others grow up in the country. Some come from homes that were filled with love while others rarely heard the words, “I love you.” You may have been raised Catholic, Protestant, Jewish or never set foot in a church. Our different backgrounds can make life challenging, but I would say these differences bring great variety and spice into our lives. As members of the Body of Christ, we each bring our own gifts to the mix. It’s important that we learn to appreciate and respect the views and opinions of others. Have you ever disagreed with someone’s point of view, but were challenged to look at the situation in a totally different light? God can use our differences to complement one another. It’s God Himself who has placed us in the Body of Christ according to His design and we can bring out the best in each other and be our best for Him.

Heavenly Father, help me to use the unique gifts You have given me to be a valuable part of the body of Christ. Amen.