“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Romans 12:10

The NBA playoffs tend to bring out heightened emotions in a lot of people. We tend to become coach and critique, fan and announcer, and an expert analyst for each team battling to advance to the next round. But there is another battle that has been trending that we may have overlooked... the battle of the post-game media and “star” NBA players.  

While praising the performance of the “star” player, the media rep picks apart the mistakes of another player and asks the “star” player to comment. Some players have tried to bring the focus back to the performance of the team as a whole, and emphasize that one person doesn’t lose or win a game… “Either we all win or we all lose”. However, some media reps are insistent about pointing out and placing the blame on specific team members, causing certain players to discontinue conversations or go as far as to walk out.

There has been a lot of criticism of this approach, calling the players rude and unrealistic. I’ll admit, at first I was put off by such “rudeness”, but then I was reminded of the scripture in Romans 12:10 that calls us to be devoted to one another in love and to honor one another above ourselves. I thought of “the team” that God placed in my life in Faith Church. I think of all the wonderful progress we’ve made and I think of some of the mistakes, and I ask myself… “Am I willing to stand up for my team when I see an attempt at division? Do I allow others to solely place blame and criticism on certain members of my team, without also taking on that criticism/blame? Or am I devoted in love, honoring my team above myself?”

I know it can be difficult to stand for the team when you feel as though you are pulling all the weight. It can be difficult to take on criticism when you’ve worked hard to meet your goal, but the efforts of others seem to fall short. It can also be difficult to try to operate in the shadow of someone else. You try to use your gifts and talents to the best of your ability, but you make mistakes, and immediately you’re criticized or compared to another team member. Either way, it can be very discouraging.

A chain is only as strong as its weakest link and Jesus understood this principle. That’s why we are called not only to love, but to a devoted love. I love that says we are in this together. A love that says I am here for you and we will get through this together. A love that drives us to honor one another and to stand for one another. I love that brings forth #togetherness, at all times.

As we honor one another, we reflect the heart of Jesus. If He could put others first, even in those oh-so challenging times, we can strive to do so, too! If our perspective each day can be, “I am in it for you” instead of “What is in it for me?”, we can discover the joy of victory in Jesus and advancing to the next the round of favor, as team, together.

God, I thank you for the team you have placed in my life. Help me to see every relationship with my team as an opportunity to reflect the love and devotion of Jesus. In His Name I pray. Amen

By: Min. April Carter