Tag: Humility

Today’s Word Is CONTEND

Thu-Jul-23-2020

If you are angry or upset with God or disappointed in him, perhaps you should go ahead and say so directly to him. He already knows, but still wants you to say it. He can deal with it and still love you. Nothing you or I can say is going to knock God off His throne or cause him to forsake or abandon us.

In a movie entitled The Apostle, Robert Duvall stars as a charismatic Pentecostal preacher named Euliss F. “Sonny” Dewey. Sonny has some quite interesting prayer time discussions with the Lord. One evening company dropped by to visit his home, where he lived with his mother. Sonny could be heard upstairs carrying on with a raised voice, and so the guest asked his mother what this was all about. “That’s my son, that is,” Momma says. “I’ll tell ya: ever since he was an itty-bitty boy, sometimes he talks to the Lord and sometimes he yells at the Lord. Tonight, he just happens to be yellin’ at him.”

Eventually, if we contend with God long enough, we will have to face the fact that his nature is not going to change. And neither is he likely to change His approach when we are caught making “demands” rather than “requests.” You might point out that Jacob wrestled with an angel and “demanded” a blessing, which he did receive. But also remember that he walked with a hip out of joint and a limp from then on. When we contend with God, the condition of our heart is revealed. Some of us who think we are reenacting Jacob’s wrestling match and demanding a blessing may actually just be having a temper tantrum. There is a difference … one God-centered … the other self-centered.

As we contend with God, He will love us and love us some more and love us even more, even though we are dissatisfied with the unfair things that happen to us. We do the same thing with our children, don’t we? Sometimes, when there is a great disappointment or hurt, the only thing we can do is hold the child until they are comforted by our arms of love and their heart connects to ours.

And so it is with God when he comforts us. But what shall we expect if we proceed with a lengthy temper tantrum (sometimes measured in years) in which we are trying to outlast God and force Him to act like we want Him to? He is fully capable of outlasting us every time, until we come to Him humbly and say, “I need You.” His desire to grow us up through difficulties into full maturity works in tandem with his desire to comfort us, and both have their place.

It is interesting how a child who finally gives in and lets themselves be comforted by us, can so quickly “feel better” and jump up to the next activity. And so with us, once past our stubbornness, it is sometimes amazing how quickly we see the way forward and He works things out for us … his way.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 28:11-13)

Blessings,

Chaplain Mark

Today’s Word Is SERENITY

Fri-Jul-17-2020
It’s Humor Day!

I hope you have heard of the “Serenity Prayer,” which is something worth posting on your mirror, bulletin board, or refrigerator.

First, I will give you a humorous remake called the “Senility Prayer” (author unknown), which applies to the aging process and how to deal with people whom you like or do not like. This is helpful for people of my age … ha-ha-ha …

THE PRAYER OF SENILITY
God grant me the senility
to forget the people I never liked anyway,
the good fortune to run into the ones I do,
and the eyesight to tell the difference.

The original “Serenity Prayer” was written by Reinhold Niebuhr (1892-1971), an American Reformed theologian, author of books on ethics and other topics, commentator on politics and public affairs, and professor at Union Theological Seminary for more than 30 years. Many groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, use the shortened version of his “Serenity Prayer,” (the first four lines) as a theme or tool of encouragement.  The full version goes like this …

THE PRAYER OF SERENITY

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;
enjoying one moment at a time;
accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
that I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
forever in the next.
Amen.

Have a blessed weekend, including rest, family, and worship,

Chaplain Mark

Today’s Word Is COURAGE

Thu-Jul-9-2020

“It often takes more courage to change one’s opinion than to stick to it.” – Georg Christoph Lichtenberg (1742-1790) Physicist and Philosopher

Sometimes you need to change your opinion and sometimes you need to stick to it. A great feat of maturity is to learn when and how to do both. Many people are out of balance and are far better at one than the other.

At one extreme are folks who are good at making decisions and sticking to them … but pride will not let them admit they might be wrong … thus they lack the courage to admit a mistake or to change their opinion. From the perspective of others, it is hard to respect someone who will never change their mind. Why do people remain adamant and unchanging? Sometimes they are bullies. It may also be to avoid intimacy in relationships. Never changing your mind is a good way to keep people at a distance or under control.

At the other extreme are those who are humble and honest enough to admit their mistakes … but often will fold easily when challenged about an opinion they truly believe in … thus they lack the courage to stick to their opinion. From the perspective of others, it is hard to respect someone who wavers on nearly everything. Why do such folks as these give in so easily? It might be fear of conflict or failure, possibly a poor self-image, not understanding who they are in Christ. But again, it is also another way of avoiding intimacy in relationships or of having the need to protect oneself.

Jesus had a better way … a way that requires courage, honesty, and humility.

“But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.” – Jesus (Matthew 5:37)

Making yes be yes, and no be no, is in one sense about removing the playing of emotional games from our conversations. It is much more enjoyable to converse with someone who does not have a hidden agenda. It works well when both have the courage to be honest … honest about their true convictions, but also courageous to admit when they need to change their mind about something.

(If you believe there is nothing you ever need to change your mind about, your name would be “God” … just sayin’ … don’t mean to sound harsh. None of us has perfect theology or doctrines or opinions or knowledge. Surprise, surprise.)

The takeaway is this … ask God for what you need.

If you need courage to stick to your opinion … ask God. (Many folks who need the courage to be bolder are painfully aware that they need it and perhaps too afraid to try it.)

If you need courage to admit when you are wrong … ask God. (However … Many folks who need the courage to be humble are blissfully unaware that they lack humility or are too proud to try it.)

Choose to be balanced, to be able to say equally well, “I’m right this time,” or “I’m wrong this time.” This requires courage, honesty, and humility. Making it more complicated than this involves offering excuses for our behavior, and is, as Jesus said, “from the evil one.”

It takes courage to be honest, bold, and humble all at the same time!

Chaplain Mark

(NOTE: If you are in a relationship where the other person is virtually always right and certainly never wrong, and where you feel the pressure of conformity, this is a red flag. Seek some godly advice from a trusted pastor or friend.)

Today’s Word Is AGREE

Wed-Jul-8-2020

I once had this conversation with a co-worker …

ME:        You’re very smart.

THEM:   No. Not really.

ME:        I’m smart. I made straight A’s mostly.

THEM:   Yeah, so did I.

ME:        Then you’re pretty smart.

THEM:   Well … hmmmm … Okay.

It’s okay to say you’re smart or talented in some way, or whatever your characteristics are, in an honest and humble way. It’s part of having a good, healthy, and accurate view of yourself. Many of us were taught not to compliment ourselves because it sounds like “bragging.” Often our solution is to belittle ourselves as a way of ensuring that we don’t think too highly of ourselves. It took me 40-plus years to stop this bad habit.

The Bible talks about how you should view yourself.

“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.” – The Apostle Paul (Romans 12:3)

A “sober judgment” means a correct evaluation. This means you should not think “too highly” nor “too lowly” of yourself. Now who do you think has the most “sober” or accurate evaluation and opinion of you? Well … It’s God, of course.

You should agree with God and his opinion of you. He knows your value, your potential, your strengths, your weaknesses. For some of us, it is a great discovery to learn that “God thinks of me more highly than I thought He did!” God is for us, not against us. (See Romans 8 below.) So, if someone has told you that God thinks poorly of you … that’s a lie. If you think you should deny your strengths as a way of being humble, consider that this is a form of false humility, and not at all biblical. Instead, affirm who you are and the gifts you have been given, and then delight in using them for God’s purposes.

In addition, don’t bemoan your weaknesses. Everyone has them. Accept them. Improve on them when you can. This is all part of agreeing with God about who you are and who you are to become. And if you can agree with God about the total you, there will be greater peace, and probably more smiles.

If you still are going to have a hard time with this God-centered view of yourself, then let me add this. Once you are saved, there is no condemnation against you. There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (Romans 8:1) Only those who are denying God or refusing Christ should fear condemnation.

Once you are born again, there is no issue that will cause God to reject you. You are his adopted child, an heir to the Kingdom. Every objection you have to your new position of worth in Christ, every struggle to accept your high value in his eyes can be answered by this … God our Father loves you, Jesus loves you, Holy Spirit loves you. You are loved, loved, loved. However much you think God loves you, it is more than that! Receive it. Return it. Stop any practice of self-condemnation and reject any tendency to expect punishment. God may discipline, but he does not punish those who are his. Smile and relax when you consider the amazing and wonderful love God has for you.

Agreeing with God about who you are is a good thing. Thinking that God is against you is not. No one can take your God-given value away from you. “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31) Please don’t take as long as I did to internalize that and live with joy and freedom. If you truly do this, it will not create arrogance but humility and peace.

Have a blessed day,

Chaplain Mark

Today’s Word Is BROKENNESS

Mon-Jun-29-2020

“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” – King David (Psalm 51:17)

The first place to start is this … everybody needs fixing. I need fixing. You need fixing. The list of perfect people is not very long, there has only been one name on that list … ever.

The second thing is this … you can’t get fixed until you admit you are broken. This is a problem. Who wants to admit they need help? But we are like a broken watch in need of the watchmaker.

King David wrote some very wonderful poems. He was a wise man. He was a warrior and conqueror extraordinaire. But, he had a thirst for power and a lust for women. (You can read that story in 2nd Samuel Chapter 11.) His attraction to Bathsheba led to adultery, followed by a plan to get rid of her husband so that no one would find out.

The prophet Nathan cornered David into a discussion and confession. David was brash and gutsy, but he knew from history that if you are guilty, you don’t challenge God or one of his prophets. It will not end well.

So he hit his knees, and admitted his brokenness.

It is amazing and sad how many people will not do the simple thing of confessing their wrongdoing, admitting their brokenness, taking on a contrite attitude, and asking God to forgive and restore. By the way, when I say “they,” I really mean “me” first. People sometimes revere pastors and spiritual leaders, but we are not exempt.

I once saw a woman get a new start on life by forgiving her sister for something done 30 years before. (She was waiting for the apology that was never coming.) I have seen an adult daughter reconcile with her mother over something that happened as a teenager. I have seen two employees look at each other with a contrite heart, and both simultaneously say, “I’m sorry.”

Feeling broken may seem like a bad thing, but if it is acceptable and even desirable to God, then it really is a very good thing. Having worked as a hospital chaplain, I have seen many patients trying to be their own doctor, instead of listening to those who know how to heal. By the same token, I have also seen many people trying to be their own spiritual doctor instead of listening to God or the wise counsel of a spiritual leader.

It is human nature to take a different approach than humble confession. One way we do this is just to deny the problem. Another is to make excuses for why we think we were justified in our sin or failure. And yet another is to defiantly think we should just be let off the hook. Court cases end up like this sometimes … the accused pays a penalty without admitting wrongdoing. For David, this was not going to happen.

If we can’t admit our wrongdoing, we won’t get far in our faith journey. A song by Micah Stampley, called “Take My Life,” starts out … ”Holiness, Holiness is what I long for; Holiness is what I need.” A later verse adds, “Brokenness, Brokenness is what I long for. Brokenness is what I need.”

God mends broken people, but first comes admitting we are broken. A good posture for this is on our knees, hands out, eyes looking up to God. At this point, tears often come. And then begins the healing and restoration. Get used to this. It will come again and again as you get washed more and more. The 51st Psalm was written by David during the Bathsheba experience. Verse 2: Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. Verse 7: Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Clean on the inside, that’s what God wants to do.

Broken and Blessed!

Chaplain Mark

Today’s Word Is ANYWAY

Wed-Jun-17-2020

You may have seen this before, but it is worth rereading occasionally, just as a reminder.

The Paradoxical Commandments

by Dr. Kent M. Keith

People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered. — Love them anyway.

If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives. — Do good anyway.

If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies. — Succeed anyway.

The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow. — Do good anyway.

Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable. — Be honest and frank anyway.

The biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men and women with the smallest minds. — Think big anyway.

People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs. — Fight for a few underdogs anyway.

What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight. — Build anyway.

People really need help but may attack you if you do help them. — Help people anyway.

Give the world the best you have and you’ll get kicked in the teeth. — Give the world the best you have anyway.

© Copyright Kent M. Keith 1968, renewed 2001

Here are some related Scripture verses.

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. (Galatians 6:9)

“… doing the will of God from the heart, with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, …” (Ephesians 6:6b-8a)

For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men. (1st Peter 2:15)

And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled. But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. (1st Peter 3:13-17)

Blessings Always!

Chaplain Mark

Today’s Word Is ASSURANCE

Fri-Jun-5-2020
It’s Humor Day!

Albert Einstein was once traveling from Princeton on a train when the conductor came down the aisle, punching the tickets of each passenger. When he came to Dr. Einstein, the professor couldn’t find his ticket. He searched every pocket, his briefcase, the seat next to him. No ticket.

The conductor said, “Dr. Einstein, I know who you are. We all know who you are. I’m sure you bought a ticket. Don’t worry about it.”

The conductor continued down the aisle punching tickets. As he was ready to move to the next car, he turned around and saw the great physicist down on his hands and knees looking under his seat for his ticket. The conductor rushed back and said, “Dr. Einstein, Dr. Einstein, don’t worry. I know who you are. No problem. You don’t need a ticket. I’m sure you bought one.”

Einstein looked at him and said, “Young man, I too know who I am. What I don’t know is where I’m going!”

I hope you know where you are going. If we believe the Scriptures, then we know that born again believers are going to heaven. Many people, Christians and not, over the years have asked me, “How can I know, how can I be sure that I am going to heaven?”

This is basic, but important. I think these three passages can most clearly describe what it means to be saved.

The first is from Jesus, who told Nicodemus, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3) This does not describe how it happens, but rather what it is … namely, a rebirth. Just as we had a physical birth, so also, says Jesus, must we have a spiritual birth. In other words, not only must our body become alive, but also our spirit must come alive in a separate event. Thus, Jesus continued, “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” (John 3:6) Up to the point of salvation, your spirit is dead, so to speak. So how does it come alive?

The other two verses say more about how it happens. The Apostle Paul says, “because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. (Romans 10:9-10)

And for the third, just to make sure we understand who does what, Paul says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9) It requires God’s grace and our faith. And the fact that it is a gift indicates that God’s part is the greater part.

God offers the gift, for which Jesus Christ has already paid the price, but gifts are only put to use when the recipient stretches out their hands to receive it, this being an act of repentance, humility, and faith. When this happens, the Spirit of God enters into your spirit and your spirit comes alive! You are “born again.” The Holy Spirit of Christ is living in you and through you! I like this phrase, “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:27)

If these things you have done, then do not be embarrassed to ask the question about “how do I know I am saved and going to heaven?” You are not alone. Many Christians are not fully “at peace” until one more miracle occurs. Apparently, some believers in the New Testament had the same question.

Thus, there is one more piece. Besides having salvation, it is great to have an “assurance” of salvation, and to be at peace. And this is supplied by the Holy Spirit. So Paul wrote this to them, “The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.” (Romans 8:16-17) How do I know for sure? We sang as children … “How do I know, the Bible tells me so!” But also, I know because I can hear, sense, and feel the Holy Spirit whispering assurance into my heart.

Come and join with me, children of God, and give thanks that we can be sure that we are saved; we are heirs, heirs with Christ, and heaven is our home!

There is one last testimony as a verification. We will indeed suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. Yes, the life of faith involves suffering and hardship, but none greater than what our Master endured. And for this is offered all his glory for us to share, both now and forever.

Have a blessed weekend, including rest, family, and worship,

Chaplain Mark

NOTE … I know that there are people who will call me exclusive when I say that Christ is the only way to God. But I didn’t create this idea. I read it in the Bible, and I believe it. As my friend Dr. Bob Sanders used to say, “Don’t look at me! I didn’t write it! I’m just the messenger!”

ANOTHER NOTE: Please don’t use this devotional to scrutinize someone else’s life trying to figure if they are in heaven or not. Only God knows. Doing so can discourage you unnecessarily. Believe for the best, and wait.

Today’s Word Is RETALIATE

Thu-May-28-2020

Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you, instead, pay them back with a blessing. (1st Peter 3:9 NLT)

This verse is not very popular in today’s world. I suspect it wasn’t 2,000 years ago either. I have told hundreds of people over the years that they will have to forgive someone and bless them instead of retaliating. No one ever answered, “Oh boy, that sounds like fun.” But over time, God can cleanse you of the urge to retaliate as a first response.

I have had to work on this myself because I grew up with a hidden anger. I still have incidents where my first thought is to strike back. But I have come a long way and now have far fewer times when that anger develops. For me, it took the love of God being poured into me. I had to really, really think, think, think, and internalize that I am loved and accepted. My mind had to be “transformed.” That’s because my problem wasn’t with resenting other people, it was more about my struggle with self-acceptance. Here’s what the Apostle Paul said about mind transformation:

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.” (Romans 12:2a NLT)

Another verse that influenced me was Romans 8:1, “So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” Think of this in law enforcement terms. When I gave my life to him, I was transferred into his custody, thus no other agency can undo God’s authority over me. The worldly court of condemnation could accuse me of being guilty of violating one of their standards. And indeed, I might be guilty of that infraction. But the world court doesn’t get to try my case, it has no jurisdiction or authority over my spirit.

I am in God’s custody. I am free from the spiritual/emotional backlash of this world. I can no longer be tried in Satan’s court. In God’s court, I am forgiven and have already been declared righteous. Does that cause me to be proud? No … not proud, but humble. Does that make me want to get away with wrongdoing? No … it makes me want to please God and to walk a higher path. And when someone insults me, I’m not much interested in engaging in battle. I am free.

If you really internalize this ownership of your life by a loving God, and it goes way down into the depths of your soul, then retaliation against offenses no longer makes sense. Wouldn’t it be great to read that Bible verse above … “Don’t retaliate, pay back with a blessing” … and say to yourself, “I can do that!” And, indeed, it will become your new way of life.

Blessings,

Chaplain Mark

Today’s Word Is HEAR

Wed-May-27-2020

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. (Revelation 3:20)

When this verse says, “If anyone hears,” I conclude that not everyone hears. It implies to me that even though a voice may be speaking, something about some people causes them not to hear that voice, at least under present conditions.

For the first time in our 37-year marriage, my wife and I have a home with a swimming pool. We like it. I am now the “pool guy,” and there is always something to do. Under certain conditions, sometimes the pool pump clicks off and must be restarted. The equipment is near the end of the house where our bedroom is, and while I am getting ready in the morning, I can tell by the presence or absence of a certain sound with a certain pitch whether the pool pump is running or not. My wife can’t hear it unless I hum the pitch and she really, really concentrates, and sometimes still can’t.

On the other hand, my wife has had the sense of hearing the faint cry of one of the kids during the night while I remained asleep. There are folks who can be at a crowded occasion in a large facility, and yet when a child falls and cries out from the other side of the room, the parent of that child knows the sound of that cry.

There is something in each of us capable of hearing the voice of God. We can be preoccupied by our world, our job, our activities, whatever … such that God’s voice doesn’t get our attention. But God is calling. He hasn’t left you out or given up on you because of your present season of stress and distraction. Stop and listen. You can hear him.

During my younger years, I heard others use this passage as an evangelism and conversion tool. And I adopted that approach as well. Jesus is knocking on the hearts of unbelievers because he wants to come in and save them, take up residence.

While that is true … that Jesus wants to come into the hearts of unbelievers, that is not who this message was originally written to. It was addressed to the Church at Laodicea. Yes, Jesus is knocking on the door of a church that has stopped listening to his voice. This is the church to whom Jesus said, “I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.” Revelation (3:15-17)

This is evidence that even though we might have been a believer for a long time, we still have spells when we are not really listening. In one sense, that is what this passage is about … the church … one full of believers who have stopped listening. Isn’t it interesting that his request was for “anyone” on the inside of that door to hear him and invite him in!! And while this is a call to the churches to become on fire again, it is also about any believer who has learned to ignore what God is saying.

I listened to a story on the radio today from a man who was sitting in a church leadership meeting when the Lord spoke to him about the extra-marital affair that he thought he was getting away with. And the voice said, “Today is the day to come clean. It is time to trade your story of infidelity for God’s story of faithfulness and forgiveness.” The next day he revealed the truth to his wife, and a new story began.

Now that’s pretty serious. And maybe your situation is, too. Or maybe your story is completely different. Maybe it’s about your church. Or perhaps you personally have wandered away from God. Listen for his voice today. God has “no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1) But he does want you to hear his voice. He wants to continually write and rewrite your story. He does not want you to be lukewarm. He wants you to be all in.

Wherever you are in life … stop and listen. Invite him in. Dine with him and be nourished. Be changed. Be new.

Blessings,

Chaplain Mark

Today’s Word Is TEAM

Mon-May-18-2020

It is the opinion of many that John Wooden was the greatest men’s college basketball coach ever. At UCLA, he won 10 National Championships and had an 88 consecutive games winning streak. And many also feel that Pat Summitt, from the University of Tennessee was the greatest women’s college basketball coach ever. She had more wins (1,098) than any other women’s coach, and more than all but one (Mike Krzyzewski of Duke) of the men’s coaches. Her teams made it to the NCAA Tournament every year of her 38-year career.

And what do these two famous coaches stress? Teamwork.

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, you need a team.” – John Wooden, Men’s Basketball Coach, UCLA, 1948-1975
“Teamwork is what makes common people capable of uncommon results.” – Pat Summitt, Women’s Basketball Coach, Tennessee, 1974-2012

Perhaps one of the most important lessons of life is how to be a team member. Many talented people fail or accomplish only at a mediocre level, because they do not know how to work on a team. For those who wonder why things don’t progress, or dreams are not achieved, consider that getting a handle on the joy, blessings, and fulfillment of working together as a team might make all the difference.

You don’t have to be a star to be on a team. I would say that all those Tennessee and UCLA players on these two coaches’ teams were far prouder to have played on a team that accomplished great things and was coached by such a legendary coach than of any degree of their own talent. These two coaches didn’t just teach them about basketball, they taught them about life!

A team player is humble enough to let others be first. A team player knows that accomplishing something together produces a greater joy than doing something by ourselves. A team player knows that when it doesn’t matter who gets the credit, amazing things can happen. And a team player doesn’t go around saying “I” accomplished something … they say “we” did.

Two takeaways …

First … If teamwork is a difficult thing for you, renew your determination to be a team player. Take the humble approach of letting others know you like working together. God will lift you up through this process.

“For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” – Jesus (Luke 14:11)

Second … If you usually do well getting along with others and operating as a team, look around at those who might not. These are not mean people. They are often interested in being a part of the team, but don’t have your smooth skills at fitting in. And they are not going to force their way in. They might be waiting for a supporter or “sponsor” … someone who will invite them in, promote them to others, help them discover their contribution and enjoy teamwork. I remember younger times when certain persons used their influence to help others accept me into the group discussion by asking me to share my thoughts. This did a lot to help me discover my worth and contribution.

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:12)

Here’s a question – Are you thinking this isn’t really a “spiritual” topic today? After all, the Bible doesn’t specifically talk about God’s people practicing teamwork – or does it? It may not use the word team, but essentially this is what Paul was talking about when he described the Body of Christ. Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many. (1st Corinthians 12:12-14)

Our culture emphasizes individuality, but in the Christian community we do not as individuals choose whether we want to be part of the Body or not. We are already “one Body” by definition. The choice we make is “am I going to refuse to be what I am made for, an indispensable member of the Body of Christ.” And no single part of the Church is more important than another. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. (1st Corinthians 12:24b-26)

It is our job to help every member to feel included, to fulfill their purpose, and to honor one another. We all need God’s help – but also, God’s team needs you, and you need God’s team. There is no greatest or least among us – we are one.

Go team!

Chaplain Mark