Be a Team Player

“9 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.” Ecclesiastes 4:9,10 NIV

In a touching story titled “Shot Putter Helps Country Overcome Major Hurdle at 2023 European Team Championships” published Monday, the following was reported: Talk about being a team player. A Belgian shot putter made headlines at the 2023 European Team Championships after she filled in for an injured teammate during the 100-meter hurdles event on Saturday. Jolien Maliga Boumkwo, a Belgian shot putter, stepped up for her country, competing in the event after two of her teammates could not do so.Anna Zagr and Hanne Claes’s injuries prevented them from running the hurdles, leaving Belgium without experienced runners. Boumkwo, who placed seventh in the shot put on Friday, took their place. As potentially expected, Boumkwo finished last in the event. However, her participation not only helped avoid a disqualification in the event but earned Belgium two points, which gave the country a fighting chance to remain at the top level of the European Team Championships (each year, the bottom three teams at the meet are relegated to the second division). Boumkwo ran the 100-meter hurdles without knocking over a hurdle and finished in 32.81 seconds, 19 seconds slower than race winner Teresa Errandonea—but despite the difference in time, her efforts were rewarded with a roar from the crowd upon finishing.“I really love it,” the 29-year-old wrote on Instagram on Sunday after Saturday’s race. “I thought I would take one for the team,” she told BBC Radio 5 Live. “I didn’t think about it, I just went for it.” Do you just love that or what? 

And you know, when it comes to the benefits of being part of a team, the Bible tells us that “two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” You see, in a good partnership or team, two can accomplish way more than one can individually and a group can help one another in difficult times as well. Similarly, when the church functions like a team, with everyone willing to do whatever it takes to win—even filling in for another teammate when necessary regardless of being ‘qualified’ to do so—everyone succeeds and the church thrives. 

So be willing to “take one for the team” at all times my friend by remembering that you’re a part of a bigger team made up of all believers. Do whatever job needs to be done with happiness and without hesitation. Your efforts will be rewarded and the church will be victorious.   

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we are all part of Your team and should work together as such, stepping up to fill in the gaps when one of our teammates is injured, ill or going through a difficult time. Help us to remember that every job in the church is important. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!