The New York Knicks wrapped up a first-round series win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday evening, with a clutch three-pointer from Josh Hart in the final minute propelling the team to a 118-115 victory in game six. The Knicks have endured a season of tremendous change and turmoil to earn their way to the conference semifinals for a second consecutive season. Before the trade deadline, New York decided to trade R.J. Barrett and Immanuel Quickley to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for O.G. Anunoby, Malachi Flynn, and Precious Achiuwa, bringing significant change to the makeup of the roster. The Knicks’ path to playoff success was also made more challenging when it was announced in April that All-Star forward, Julius Randle would miss the remainder of the season following shoulder surgery. Undoubtedly, much of New York’s ability to withstand a tumultuous campaign can be attributed to the chemistry and familiarity of its key players. Amazingly, three of New York’s top four scorers during its first-round series against the 76ers were former college teammates at Villanova under Jay Wright: Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Donte DiVincenzo. When watching the Knicks play, it’s obvious these guys have spent a lot of time playing together on the same team learning their own strengths and weaknesses, as well as understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each other. One of the major reasons that New York has been able to experience so much success this season is that its top players understand their roles within the team structure, and they strongly embrace their roles without attempting to hog the spotlight for themselves. As followers of Jesus, we must remember that we're part of the most important “team” of all: the body of Christ. Because our “team” comprises many individuals with diverse gifts and abilities, we function best when we recognize our strengths and weaknesses, embrace the “role” we've been given, and sacrifice for the group's betterment. 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 (ESV) says, “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” God has sovereignly distributed His gifts among His people the way He wills (1 Corinthians 12:11) so His followers use those gifts to serve the common good. Because not every believer has the same gifts, selflessness and teamwork are required for things to function properly and produce the best results. We must embrace our role from God, and avoid potential feelings of envy or despair over our place within the body. Continuing his thoughts on spiritual gifts in the body of Christ, the Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 12:14-15 (NLT), “Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part. If the foot says, ‘I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand,’ that does not make it any less a part of the body.” When we despise our role within the body of Christ and refuse to play our part within the “team,” it doesn’t make us less part of the body of Christ but hurts the functionality of the body. Today, let’s intentionally recognize our strengths and weaknesses. Let’s understand the role God has given us within His body, selflessly utilizing our spiritual gifts to build up others for His glory. I’m Matt Osborne, and you UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for allowing me to be a part of the body of Christ. Thank you for the spiritual gifts You've sovereignly given me. Please help me recognize the role You have for me, and give me strength to serve well for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
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