Former Chicago Bears quarterback, Jay Cutler, is a free agent contemplating retirement or playing for a team in need of a veteran quarterback with a big arm. Cutler has had a nice career, putting up solid numbers during certain seasons, but he’s never been considered an upper echelon quarterback. Not known as the most affable and gregarious quarterback in the league, one could argue he’d already have a new contract if his persona was different. One of his former teammates, Antrel Rolle, recently made some interesting comments: “I just felt like, honestly, if Jay involved himself more with the team, more with his receivers, I think he'd get more better results on the playing field. "Like I said, I just honestly feel like he would get much better results if he involved himself more in the team collectively, with all individuals. It doesn't have to be offense, defense, special teams, but just everyone as a collective unit, I think he would get more out of his game for himself." Rolle's opinions are very valid and certainly not surprising. Even as fans we love to see the quarterback as the leader, high-fiving his teammates and showing enthusiasm from the sideline. It’s important for the quarterback to be engaged and well connected to the other players. When it comes to our own lives, there is great value in having this same mentality. We get much more out of life when we're “involved with the team” and interested in serving others. There is no fulfillment in just putting our heads down and doing our job without forming any meaningful connections to those around us. Enthusiasm and engagement with people are worthwhile for ourselves, others, and the overall team.
As followers of Jesus, we’re connected to a team - more specifically, the body of Christ. There is significance in embracing the unity and fellowship we have with one another. The body of Christ has many parts, and God's design is for us to come together as one while each playing a different role.1 Corinthians 12:25-27 (NLT) tells us, "This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad. All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it." We shouldn't isolate ourselves when we have the privilege of being part of such an awesome team. Keeping our heads down while doing our own thing is not the answer. Instead, when we're involved in each other's lives, we can encourage, challenge, and engage. Today, let's listen to the thought behind Rolle's comment, “I just honestly feel like he would get much better results if he involved himself more in the team collectively,” and allow it to ring true as followers of Jesus. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for allowing us to be connected to each other to form the body of Christ. I pray that I wouldn’t isolate myself, but be fully invested in others. Help me use my gifts to serve them, suffer when they suffer, and rejoice when they rejoice. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
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