"So that there would be no division in the body, but that the members
would have the same concern for each other. So if one member suffers,
all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored,
all members rejoice with it.""
- 1 Corinthians 12:25-26 (Holman Christian Standard)

Oneness-a team is One. What more liberating experience is there than to feel whole, purposeful, and in sync? We practice together, we play together, and we win and lose together. We preach this-you don't give your all to the game, you give your all to the team. Emmitt Smith's speech upon induction into the NFL Hall of Fame last year is a perfect example. With tears of gratitude, he thanked his family, former coaches, and teammates for helping him reach the pinnacle in football. But his most heartfelt thanks went to Daryl Johnston, the Cowboys fullback who cleared the path for many of Smith's great runs. "You mean the world to me," the tearful Smith told Johnston, asking him to stand up and be recognized by the crowd, "not just because we shared the backfield, but because you sacrificed so much for me. You took care of me as though you were taking care of your little brother. Without you I know today would not have been possible. I love you from the bottom of my heart."

Playing as a team generates transforming power. African American Emmitt Smith from Pensacola, Florida, and the University of Florida pronouncing his love and affection for white Daryl Johnston from Youngstown, New York, and Syracuse University. Wow! As the Body of Christ, we have all been given gifts. It is important to remember that even though we are not gifted in the same way, we are linked together and what affects one member of the team affects all. We need each other, we belong to each other, we affect each other, and together we can accomplish great things.

Father, thank You for the gifts you have given me. Help me to see that these gifts were not intended for my benefit, but for Your glory and service to others. Make me a team player in the Body of Christ. Amen.