Principle 3 Ujima / Collective Work and Responsibility: 1 Corinthians 12:21-25. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honourable we treat with special honour. So that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. This verse reminds us that we are one nation, one people, and one world and we should be concerned for each other. How different society would be today if we extended the care and concern as in the bible. We certainly would have a different perspective on Refugees, poverty, domestic violence, Gun and knife crime, unemployment, and war.
As a fan of Chelsea, Golden State and The Vikings, I would hear the deafening noise of fans speaking as one. While watching on the sofa might give you a better view of the game, it’s never as exhilarating as cheering on your team from the stands. A special energy comes from being part of a shared mission, whether that mission is to win a game or to bring heaven to earth.
When we ask God into our lives, we give Him permission to reshape our values and our perspective. We put Him in charge. We join His team and His mission. He sends all of His people out to share the good news that He has set us free and He will set things right forever. We might seem like a makeshift bunch. But when it comes to this mission, no one is too old or too young. Wherever we’ve come from and whatever we’ve done, we all have a place on this team.
Today, Ujima says to us at times, we are going to get tired and want to give up but the same way a team feeds off the energy of its fans, we can draw strength from one another. When our minds are unified with Yahshua anything is possible. Scripture reminds us that there is a special power that comes through unity. “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of Yahshua”. He calls us to be one, working together for His glory. When we say yes to Jesus, we are clothed with His team jersey. And everyone regardless of skin colour, age, social status, or past life experience has a role to play.
The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honourable we treat with special honour. So that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 1 Corinthians 12:21-25
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, I thank you for the gift of being a part of your team. Father, may I be steadfast in working toward the goals and determined in my effort to grow together with this team and through this journey. God, grant me the grace I need to be a good teammate, so that my contributions to this team may make others better and that the experience may be more fruitful because of my participation. Lord give me the courage to sacrifice for the good of the team when necessary and the wisdom to know when to do so. May I follow the example of Christ as I interact with others every day. I ask this through Christ, our Lord and saviour, Amen.
In Reflection
When was the last time you drew strength from someone else’s faith?
This week, is there someone you need to bear with or build up?
Is there anyone you have a hard time accepting as part of God’s team? Rather than hide that feeling, pursue unity by asking God to help you see that person through His eyes.
