Team

Team

Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness?

ONE SUNDAY, a few of my fellow students and I decided to venture over to the Oxford vs. Cambridge fencing match. None of us knew anything about fencing, but it seemed quintessentially British, and our interest was piqued. It was held in a large room at Oxford’s Examination Schools. Dark paneling covered the bottom half of the walls, while the top half was painted a muted yellow. Large windows spanned from window seats upwards to the arched ceiling that was divided into sizable white squares featuring mythical animals.

Initially, we sat in the chairs provided. But after realizing that most spectators were standing, we climbed onto one of the window seats for a bird’s eye view. The fencers were split into teams of three each, rotating so that each person would fence against all three opponents. Each player’s sword and areas of their body were hooked up to electronic equipment that helped discern when someone scored a hit. How long they fenced varied: it either lasted three minutes, or ended after the competitors exchanged a certain number of hits.

One of the things I found the most interesting was that all the hits in fencing are added throughout the entire round-robin—that way if some are stronger than others, they can “make up” hits. Though fencing itself isn’t usually a team sport—each person must face their opponent individually—over those three hours, I was struck by the idea that the stronger members can make up for those who aren’t as strong.

We, too, must face our own battles as individuals, yet as members of the body of Christ, we can support one another in our weaknesses and team up to accomplish the work of Christ in the world. When we know we are part of a team, we work differently, leaning into our strengths and noticing where we can come alongside others to support them. And, being part of a team helps us consider the good of others, not just ourselves, as we work to the mutual benefit of all.

Lord, thank you that we’re not alone. Help us remember that we’re part of a team, working together. Amen.

-Kristin

One Good Step: Imagine yourself as part of a team, working toward accomplishing God’s work in the world. What are some of your strengths? What are some of your weaknesses?