The Olympics run pretty much continuously at our house these days. I find myself watching events that I would never watch on a regular basis as the pride of the USA and the every-four-years uniqueness of the Games draw me in. My favorite has been volleyball, and picking up gold in both men's and women's beach volleyball. But, of course, basketball and the men's team is of great interest to me...especially because of the dismal failure of our group of NBA stars in the '04 Olympics in Athens. This so-called "Dream Team," comprised of the best roundballers on earth, could never get it together and way underachieved four years ago.
But now, under the coaching prowess of Duke University Coach Mike Krzyzewski, this year's US team is playing like champions and dominating the field so far. What is the difference? Teamwork. Each sports season, I am reminded that a team will outperform a group of individuals every time. Coach K says that five talented players who come together as a team can beat five more talented players who don't. He uses the illustration of a fist - all of the fingers working together. Krzyzewski also said in choosing the American team's players, "We're not selecting a team…you select people and hope they become a team." So it appears that these pro players have now become a team and are committed to one another and to the team and its goal of gold. Now this group of individuals is known as the "Redeem Team."
Sounds to me like what the church ought to be. We have been redeemed out of failure and isolation and now have become a part of a winning team on our way to gold. To achieve greatness for God's Glory we must win together rather than lose separately. We need to be more like a fist working together than fingers working alone. Together we are triumphant. We are much much better together. It is the difference between winning and losing in our efforts to fulfill the Great Commission in our time. So, get on the team in your church and start becoming a part of His Redeem Team! One day, when the gold is passed out…you will be there to the sound of Heavenly cheers.
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Each summer over the past 3 years, Coack K worked with the Redeem Team to make sure they had the "we, not I" mentality, and to remind them that they were competing for their nation, not themselves.
After they received their gold medals in Bejing last night, the stars of the game each took their gold medal and hung it around the neck of Coach K. With all the achievements of the athletes, it's easy to forget the foundations others lay for their success. The Americans stumbled in basketball in Athens, but by working together under a leader who can inspire, they were successful.
I think that's also true in the church. Pastor Graham, last night you taught about God having a plan for our lives, even after we stumble. The foundation and leadership of Jesus Christ can inspire all of us (black & white, rich & poor, even Reps & Dems) to accomplish His plan for His children. - Clay
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