Being a huge sports fan, I am amazed that around finals time when teams fail to succeed invariably the coach is to blame. I always think it is the coach who prepares the players to play and execute a game plan beyond that, the result is dependent on the players. However, the fact is it is not as simple as that.
Like the body of Christ, a football team is made up of many parts. From the board, President of the club, the CEO, the football manager, medical team, recruiters or the coach and the players blame for a team’s failure to achieve success can be allocated equally. I believe it would be unfair to blame one particular person or individual players on the team. Successful teams are always built where the administration and the playing unit are united in working towards ultimate success the title. Consequently, everyone places their trust in one another to perform their role at an optimum level.
In the same way I believe the Church has to continue to work hard to continue Jesus’s mission.
“So that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honoured, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” 1 Corinthians 12:26-2
Therefore, what Saint Paul is imploring in his letter to the people of Corinth, is that unless they display as a Christian Community a united presence in proclaiming Jesus’ teachings the Gospel values they extol will come under scrutiny. For me it is all about trust and credibility demonstrated through using the gifts and fruits of the Spirit in building relationships with my family, friends, work and faith community and witnessing and living Jesus’ mission through my words and actions. Thus, it is only then that I claim to be contributing to creating a visible presence of a vibrant body of Christ.
Subsequently, like a coach elevates a football team to produce their best efforts throughout their season to attain the goal of winning the trophy a Christian Community is mindful of living out the Gospel values to continue Christ’s mission. Accordingly, both the football team and the Church must demonstrate a presence that exhibits virtues such as trust, justice, prudence, courage, faith, hope and charity to showcase why they are relevant and important within the community. Hence, unity makes a football team or Church able to attract a loyal, supportive band of followers whose monetary and spiritual commitment provides a powerful foundation for them to achieve their goals.
