The Team Needs You
I read with fascination several stories about U.S. swimmer Michael Phelps going for 8 potential gold medals in the Beijing Olympics. He has dominated the world of swimming the past few years, yet he would be the first to tell you it is not a one-man show. Trainers, coaches, dietitians, and teammates assist him. His teammates have trained along with him, yet there has a been a strategic plan in place for Olympic competition. A lot has been put in place by a lot of people to give Phelps the chance and privilege for medaling in China.
I also read about Laura Wilkinson, one of the most decorated American divers in the history of international competition. She joined the U.S. National Team in 1995, and she is the ONLY female diver to win the 10 meter platform gold at the world championship (2005), World Cup (2004), Olympic Games (2000), and Goodwill Games (1998). She is also in Beijing for one last run at Olympic glory, yet has said her reasons for competing have little to do with personal gain, but everything to do with honoring her Lord and Savior, Jesus. She credits her parents as some of the most influential people in her life. Laura said “her folks are great examples of integrity and good living examples of Christians who inspired her to be her best and use the talent the Lord gave her.”
Asafa Powell, raised in a Christian home in Jamaica, is among the favorites for Olympic gold in the 100 meters in China because he has broken the world record for the 100 meters four times. Though he trains a lot, prayer and Bible study are daily commitments. Even though many believe he is Jamaica’s most famous son, he credits his parents and many others for praying for him. Asafa is described as a soft spoken, friendly man, quick with a smile by his coach. Asafa says he has to give God thanks because God has blessed him, and his parents, church friends, coaches, and friends have all contributed to his success.
It is the same way in the work of God. Read 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 and Ephesians 4:11-16. The church is made up of all sorts of people with a variety of gifts and skills. Some are teachers of children, while others work with adults. Some work behind the scenes with administration, equipment, and budgets. Some are musicians, landscapers, and ushers. But all work together for the common good and the glory of God. The preacher/minister cannot do it alone, no matter how good he or she is. That is why God gave the church a multitude of gifted people. When they all pull together, combining their skills and abilities, the work of God gets done.
Phelps, Wilkinson, and Powell will be on television this week, hoping, aiming, striving, and competing to be honored as the best in the world in their sport. But they all recognize there are many others who contributed to them getting the chance to compete for Olympic gold. I challenge you to follow their example and the call of Scripture in 1 Peter 4:10-11 that “each person should use whatever gift they have to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms…so that in all things God may be praised.”
Live communally. What are your gifts? Skills? Interests? Give them over to God. How have others contributed to your success and current status? Be thankful and humble. Let God use you today for His glory. He has a place just for you. The Team needs you.
Love is a verb,
Mike
