Day 7

A Team Sport

15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

Ephesians 4:15-16

Whenever I think of the Texas Rangers winning the World Series, I have to pinch myself. Eric Nadel nailed it when it said, "You are not dreaming!" Reflecting on their rollercoaster season, I marvel that it happened. When I least expected it, it happened! 

Looking back, I wonder how it happened after all. Granted, the Rangers had a handful of stars like Seager and Semien, but their pitching staff, at times, resembled the staff of a slow-pitch softball team. Veteran Hall-of-Fame Manager Bruce Bochy knew something we didn’t know. Teams win championships, not stars. 

In the same way, the Kingdom of God is a team sport. Jesus never intended for any of us to be Lone Rangers-pun intended! Faith is not a private matter-it is a family affair. Only our archenemy wants us to face the future alone. He knows we will stumble and fall alone with no one to pick us up.

Paul cast a vision for the church with his exhort to the Ephesians. He wrote:  

"Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow that it builds itself up in love." (Ephesians 4:15-16)

What a fantastic team, Jesus, me, and you. The vision statement of First Baptist Decatur is, Together, we give all the glory to God as one family of all generations and stories. What part does God want you to play in our story as we enter the New Year? 

Applications: Send a thank you note or text to a teammate who has blessed your life. Look for ways that you can help us glorify God together. 

Written By: Dr. David Lowrie