By: Elizabeth Haarberg

The U in Church

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking this SoundCloud link.

I’ve heard so many times, “there is no I in team,” but actually there is. The individuals that make up a team have to be fully functioning on their own for the team to function well. The health of the team is a reflection of the individuals that are involved. The same is true of the church. The reference to church in this case is the body of Christ, those that have a common spirit, regardless of denomination. An individual is responsible for their faith and relationship with Christ. That element is what they bring to the body of Christ.

So, how do we become the best individual we can be so we can bring the best we have to a team? We have a good start…

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you;” Jeremiah 1:5 ESV

God knows us so intimately because He gave us our start. From there, our journey to become like Christ continues.

“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” Genesis 1:27 ESV

Being created in God’s image does not mean we are conforming. Every person brings a unique piece to the total pie of the group. Allowing the unique aspects of the person to add to the group is a challenge. If even one person is determined to have group conformity over group unity, it can ruin the whole group.

How does a group mesh? Leaving room for things we don’t understand is a big one. Our lens is limited to what and how we see and perceive.

If we can understand more than seek agreement, this will set the foundation for any group.

The only way I know to do this is accessing the Holy Spirit. Satan loves division. We have a saying in our house, “You’re letting Satan win.” When groups are at odds or cannot seem to come together, Satan is victorious.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado