One Spirit, One Team
The world is preparing to watch the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy in just a few short weeks. Every four years, we are captivated by the extraordinary performances of elite athletes who have dedicated their lives to pursuing excellence in their respective sports. It is amazing and awe-inspiring to see them compete on the world stage, proudly representing their nations with skill and determination.
I love the Winter Games as they highlight sports you rarely get to see any other time. One of my favorite winter events is the 4-man bobsled. Four athletes climb into that sled, each with a specific role to play. The driver steers, the brakeman controls the finish, and the pushers provide explosive power at the start. To have a successful run, the team members each need to perform their task at peak performance and in perfect synchronization. The team members place absolute trust in one another as they set aside their individual pursuits for the team's shared goal. They train together, sacrifice together, and either succeed or fail together. When they cross the finish line in record time, it's not because one was great, it's because four athletes became one unified team.
This image of Olympic athletes striving together in pursuit of a common goal reminds me of Paul's words in Philippians 1:27-28a: "Just one thing: As citizens of heaven, live your life worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or am absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind, working side by side for the faith that comes from the gospel, not being frightened in any way by your opponents."
Paul reminds all followers of Jesus of our calling to live out our faith together with the same kind of unity, commitment, and shared mission that we see demonstrated by world-class Olympians pursuing a team victory. As followers of Jesus gathered into local congregations, we are called to stand firm in one spirit and with one mind, working side by side for the mission of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And like athletes on an Olympic team, we each have different roles and bring different gifts, abilities, and strengths to the body of Christ. But working together and setting aside our individual agendas for the sake of the Gospel mission, we share in the victory of God’s kingdom among us. As we pray, may God’s kingdom come and will be done, here on earth, as it is in heaven.
Friends, as you tune into the Winter Games, remember that God calls us to work together for Gospel mission. This is a key reason why the Lord gathers us into communities of faith. We are Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ. As we witness Olympic athletes inspire us with their dedication and teamwork, I pray that you and everyone in your church can remember God’s call to set aside individual pursuits in order to work together in love and pursue the mission that Jesus has given your congregation! One Spirit...one team.
Pastor Bryce Formwait is the Director of Mission Growth for LCMC Texas District and Program Director of Harvest Workers, an online ministry training program (learn more at www. harvestworkers, net). Residing in Georgetown, Pastor Bryce is available to coach congregations on mission. Please contact him with any questions or comments: 512-942-7776 or bryce@Jcmctexas.org. © 2024 Bryce J. Formwait, All Rights Reserved. Reprinted with permission.
