Epiphany
January 22, 2016

Scripture Reading: I Corinthians 12:12-31a

Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers; then deeds of power, then gifts of healing, forms of assistance, forms of leadership, various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? But strive for the greater gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way. –I Corinthians 12:27-31a

Watching basketball is really a lesson in shared talents. At least that is my excuse for watching every Thunder game and as many of the OU and OSU games, both women and men, that I can work into a busy schedule. In all instances I sometimes have to record them for playback at a more convenient time. Fully actualizing the diverse and complementary skills of a team’s players always makes for a better outcome whether on the basketball court or within the Body of Christ. Such fruition can only result when every participant values each and all of the others. It also requires us to each work hard at encouraging people to use their skills. Sometimes it is just easier to do something oneself than it is to engage another person to do the work that is needed, but is that the best for the long term? At times, I know it is, but most times it is better to spread the work based on skills and talents.

This lesson was never made more clear to me then when one of my co-workers was killed in a car accident early one morning. He was the only person on our staff who did a specific task, albeit a very crucial task in our office. I have never since been a part of any group where at least one other person was knowledgeable of every tasks required, backups existed for all documentation, and two keys stored in separate places were available for every lock.

While such practicality is enough reason to engage fully all members of a team, the real driving force is better outcomes resulting when all talents and skills are maximized.

Prayer: God who orders life, give make us whole enough to respect the skills and talents of each other and to celebrate the beauty of teamwork as much as we celebrate individual accomplishment. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized 
Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council 
of Churches of Christ in the United States of American. Used by permission. All rights 
reserved.