"We Are A Team" -- Olympic Interdependence

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up... Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10,12)

“…speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Jesus Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” (Ephesians 4:15-16)

“We’re a team. We went in as a team and now we’re exiting as a team—and we’re going out with that gold that we needed to get back.” (Michael Phelps, after the men’s Olympic 4x100 freestyle relay)

It’s a good thing this isn’t an audio devotional, because I just about lost my voice screaming during the final leg of the men’s 4x100 freestyle relay last night. The U.S. team edged France for swimming gold thanks to a stunning anchor-leg comeback. And yet, as easy as it might be to focus on Jason Lezak’s finishing kick, it took all four swimmers performing at their peak to claim victory and shatter the world record. Each athlete was dependent on the three others. It’s the same in the body of Christ. I’m called to complete a key “leg” as a follower of Jesus, and so are you. None of us is more, or less, important than any other. And we are interdependent; we only function as God intends when we function united as essential parts of the “body of Christ.” It takes all of us, submitting to the Lord’s leadership, to bring glory to His name and to make a life-changing difference in those He has called us to serve.

Heavenly Father, in a world that often glorifies independence, isolation and self-attainment, thank you for a timely reminder that two are better than one. We are dependent on You first—as the strongest link in our “cord of three strands”—and also on one another. Lead me, by your Spirit, not only to do my work today but also to join with others in advancing Your kingdom of love and truth together. Amen.