While watching a soccer match recently, it was observed that “team A” had very good players who did not know each other very well. Most of the players were new to the team so they had few opportunities to play together. They were fast, passed the ball often, had selfless behavior, and seemed to be passionate about the game, but something was missing.
Conversely, “team B” (which was actually the visiting team) had players who seemed to be less talented individually however, this group had something special. The entire game they were talking to each other while playing; communicating verbally and with gestures. They anticipated each other’s moves as though they were brothers, like a family. The other team had little to no communication; it was pure mechanics.
In the final few minutes of the game team A had the lead. Team B got louder, and started chanting, encouraging each other; you could feel the momentum. Quickly team B tied the game, then less than five minutes later they scored again to gain the lead. The game was over shortly thereafter. Team B jumped up and down, hugged each other, and had a great celebration.
I’ve shared that story several times over the last couple weeks in business and personal situations. In business, teamwork is everything. In personal situations, how many of us are prone to trying to do too much on our own, either through pride or wanting to play it safe?
Last night I attended a small group Bible Study for the first time in four years and it was amazing. The love of Jesus was so evident, it was difficult to hold back the tears of joy, awe, and gratitude. I felt lifted up. I was among brothers and sisters, gathering together in the name of Jesus Christ. The “difference maker” was that everyone was so vulnerable. They put the needs of others first, they set aside their own pride so as to invest and love others. The Holy Spirit was present, no doubt.
All of this is to say, let’s not go forward alone. Wealth, pleasure, power, and idols are all meaningless. We need each other, we need Jesus. Forgive. Be vulnerable. The window of opportunity is short.
9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)
Today’s reading: Ecclesiastes 4