SCRIPTURE:
21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” 22 On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable…
1 Corinthians 12:12-26
OBSERVATION:
As an avid sports fan the idea of everyone needs each other is sometimes hard for me to grasp. Yes, there are those who say that Jordan never won til Pippen arrived, but the reality is Jordan had the skill and will to win regardless of who ran alongside him…and the Bulls roster turn over from the first 3peat to the second is all the history we need to prove that point. Likewise, Mahomes seems to win no matter who the Chiefs have him throwing to. Sports is the ultimate team example, but it seems to me that more times than not, one transcendent player can make the whole team successful no matter how effective the other parts are. And in regards to unity, nothing brings teammates together more than winning…so, give Jordan the ball and get out of the way. 13 seconds left and need a tie, no problem for Mr. Mahomes.
So with that said, Paul’s words to the church in Corinth are hard for me to digest at first. All my life I’ve held in high regard those who had the will to win and bring others along. Those who put winning above team morale, who put success above making sure everyone was on the same page. I’m not against unity, nor am I for an all-out pursuit of glory no matter the cost, but I do tend to sway to idea that skill with passion will always prevail over mediocrity with unity.
APPLICATION:
But Paul’s eloquence in comparing it to the body does make sense. My eyes alone can’t do anything without my hands, nor can my head make any progress without my feet to take me there. It takes a concerted effort by all my body parts working in unity to accomplish anything. All the parts, every last nerve is required in order for everything to function.
I still believe Jordan would’ve won no matter who was around him, but, only when he shared the load and began to identify and use the skills, however limited, around him, that’s when he started winning consistently and convincingly.
And I think that’s the key for me. Yes, a one-man army with unlimited skill might win a few battles here and there, but only a united army with an unshakeable will towards unity will win the war. As a wise man wrote,
“Few things are more beautiful to God than seeing His people serve and work together in a united rhythm. It’s like a symphony to His ears.”
PRAYER:
Jesus, unite the rhythm of my life to Yours. Thank you for setting a steady and sure tempo and give me the obedience to follow. As we pray as a church for Unity today, may it start with me; sure of my place in the body and swift to surrender when called to serve. Amen
