Unified as a Team

When it’s all said and done, what do you want to have been said and done?

It’s a question worth pausing to ponder. When you play or coach in your last competition, what do you want your legacy – your enduring impact – to be? For many, the deceptive allure of the scoreboard and stat sheets promise to etch your name into the record book’s glory; that is, however, until no one remembers anymore. While excelling in your sport is good and memorable, the way in which you do so is what truly lasts. When your team buys into this idea, that’s when great things start to happen.

Great teams rally around a greater vision.

The teams that defy the odds, overcome incredible obstacles and achieve unprecedented performances are typically those that believe in something greater. While the end goal is a focal point, they are adamant about the dailies–those routines that shape, sharpen and sustain the greater vision. The team’s identity is solidly defined, and individual players know who they are, too. It’s from this point–clearly defined and unwavering identity–that the team knows where they want to go and how they want to do it.

The same is true for you.

As a disciple of Jesus, you are on a greater team comprised of fellow disciples, known as the body of Christ. Your identity in Jesus is solid, for it establishes the foundation of who you are in Him. Your old life is gone, and your new life is here. Your position on this team is never in jeopardy, as your identity as a dearly beloved son or daughter of God can never be revoked or removed. The journey with Jesus is one of increasing depth and change as we pursue a greater vision of making Him known in the world. When a team of disciples are committed and compelled to live this out, three important things occur through the way in which they live. 

Greater Sacrifice 

The way in which this team loves one another will stand out to a watching world. To follow Jesus is to live like Him; to do life as He would. Jesus’ instructions to His team are clear: “’This is my command: Love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this: to lay down his life for his friends’” (John 15:12-13). How may Jesus be inviting you to lay down your agenda so that you can take up His and support a fellow disciple who may need your love and support? 

Greater Invitation

Genuine love and sacrifice stick out in today’s world. Often, others who have yet to follow Jesus may want to join the team.

“Then He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.’” -Mark 16:15

Are you ready to share your faith and invite others to follow Jesus? Is your heart softened to love others regardless of their background or present circumstances? 

Greater Power 

Remember: It’s the way in which this team lives that truly matters. When the body of Christ gathers around God’s Word and is empowered by the Holy Spirit, powerful transformation can occur in and through them. As you go out each day, surrendered to following the ways of Jesus, get ready to watch Him work. Others will notice too.

“’By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.’” -John 13:35

The team you are on stands at the ready, challenged to pursue a greater vision of unleashing the good news about Jesus to a lost and hurting world. Where you go matters. How you do it matters more. A truly significant legacy is available today, poised to leave ripple effects for all eternity. And when it’s all said and done, this is the only thing that lasts.   

LIVE IT OUT: 

“’He must increase, but I must decrease.’” -John 3:30 

Question: Who are the ones around you that you can come together with to encourage one another in a greater Kingdom purpose? 

Challenge: Think of someone who needs to know about the love of Jesus. Don't wait; tell them about Him today.