Listen to this devotion
On the Same Team
In the Word
Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone (1 Corinthians 12: 4β6).
Of the Word
Bankers, lawyers, and retail clerks in hot debate, coveys of screaming parents, marching bands: it is the fall phenomenon of Friday Night High School Football. Fans, young and old, gather to show their team spirit.
Christians also see this unifying spirit within their congregations where members come with an assortment of backgrounds, abilities, ages, occupations, and skills. Sometimes it may seem as if some groups are working toward vastly different goals, but remembering that the cross is at the center of Christian service can bring unity again.
The apostle Paul reminds us we must constantly acknowledge our purpose and unity are in β¦ the same Spirit β¦ the same Lord β¦ the same God who empowers them all in everyone (1 Corinthians 12:4β6). Our worship, projects, and goal statements are meaningless if not Christ-centered. We are able to share the Gospel only through the power of God and the unity of our hearts, minds, and spirits. We are one body in Christ! We are, after all, on the same team.
Walking with my Lord
Lord, empower me to work with others as we serve together in Your name. Amen.
Mustard Seed: From Quiet Times to Noisy Love. Jan Struck, author. 21/30 Β©2013 Lutheran Womenβs Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright Β©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.
