In South Africa at the moment, we are riding the wave of the 4th time World Cup Rugby Champions! Everywhere we look we see the Springboks lifting the Webb Ellis Cup, we hear various sporting channels analysing every moment of the game. We hear the yayers, the nayers and the slayers.
Now I am a sports enthusiast – note I say enthusiast and not fanatic! But I have to admit those last three games have given me a new outlook. I don’t have to write here anything that I don’t think any South African didn’t feel during those moments.
What makes their victory all the more remarkable is not just their talent, but their unwavering commitment to the slogan, “Stronger Together.” This is a powerful message that transcends sports and offers valuable lessons for us as believers and followers of Jesus Christ.
The Springbok rugby team is a diverse group, consisting of players from various cultures, races, and backgrounds. They have demonstrated that despite their differences, they are stronger when they come together as a team.
This is a testament to the power of unity, echoing the teachings of the Apostle Paul, who, in his writings emphasises the concept of unity and the importance of believers working for the common good. While he may not explicitly use the term “stronger together,” his teachings align with the idea.
Paul frequently refers to the metaphor of the body to describe the unity and interconnectedness of believers. In 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, he explains that, just as the body is composed of different parts with different functions, so are Christians. Each member of the body is essential, and they need to work together in harmony for the body to function properly – Stronger Together!
Paul also emphasises the importance of love and humility in fostering unity among believers. In Philippians 2:1-4, he encourages Christians to consider others as more important than themselves, looking not only to their own interests but also to the interests of others. By practicing selflessness and putting others first, we can promote unity and harmony within the community of believers – Stronger Together!
While valuing unity, Paul also recognises and celebrates the diversity of spiritual gifts, backgrounds, and roles within the body of Christ. In 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, he teaches that although believers have different gifts, they are given by the same Spirit and are meant to be used for the common good, thereby acknowledging that diversity can contribute to the overall strength and growth of the body – Stronger Together!
Lastly, Paul emphasizes the need for believers to support and encourage one another. In Galatians 6:2, he instructs Christians to bear one another’s burdens, fulfilling the law of Christ. He also encourages believers to build each other up, exhorting them to encourage one another and provide comfort in times of difficulty (1 Thessalonians 5:11, 2 Corinthians 1:3-5) – Stronger Together!
Paul teaches that believers are called to unity, love, humility, and mutual support in their relationships with one another. By embracing these teachings, believers can live out the spirit of being “stronger together” as they work in harmony to fulfill God’s purpose and spread His love to the world.
As we celebrate with the Springboks, let us remember that “Stronger Together” is not only a sports slogan but a blueprint for living in alignment with God’s will for His creation. When we embrace our differences, support one another, and work for the common good, we reflect the love and unity that Christ calls us to embody.
Much love
Michelle