There's No "I" in Team, But There is in Sin

We often hear the phrase “There’s no I in team.” This is a reminder that a team is made up of many players, and the team is more important than any individual player. We cannot be selfish or self-centered; we all need to work together for the good of the team and not for our own selfish desires or rewards. We can’t do it all ourselves; we need our brothers and sisters (teammates) to optimize our performance.

In 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, the Apostle Paul reminds us that although our body is one, it’s made up of many parts. When these parts work together in unison, we can accomplish great things; however, if they aren’t coordinated, we often can’t accomplish the most basic functions. He goes on to tell us that there should be no division in the body, that each part should have equal concern for each other, and when one part suffers, every part suffers with it; and if one part is honored, every part rejoices – we win as a team and we lose as a team.

In Romans 12:3-8, the Apostle Paul points out that we should not think of ourselves more highly than we should. Like Jesus, we too should be humble and seek to serve others with the talents God blessed us with. God has blessed each of us with different gifts/skills, and we should use them to our fullest so we can glorify Him and make the greatest contribution to our team.

There may not be an “I” in team, but there is an “I” in sin. We often sin by trying to take over our own lives and pursue our own selfish desires and the sinful ways of the world, rather than having faith and trusting God to provide for us. Jesus told us that He conquered the world, so there is nothing He can’t accomplish for us. If we just have faith, trust His plan and turn over control to Him (John 16:33) we will have peace and He will lead us through the troubles we encounter. However, we often forget or grow impatient of waiting and think we can take matters into our own hands and do things our way. We forget we are part of “Team Jesus” and instead we seek to “score” by ourselves so we can satisfy our desires and get all the glory. James 1:13-15 tells us that we are tempted when we give in to our own desires, and when we pursue our desires, it leads us into sin, and sin leads to death, if we don’t repent and follow Christ.

In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus told us not to worry about anything. If our Heavenly Father provides for the birds, the flowers, and the grass, then how much more is He going to care about and provide for us, His children, who He formed in His own image? Jesus tells us that our Heavenly Father knows what we need and will provide for us if we just seek first His Kingdom and His Righteousness. We can’t add a single hour to our lives by worrying and trying to do things on our own. Instead, take the “I” out of sin and replace it with Jesus. He will surely provide for us, and as the Apostle Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 10:13-22, God is faithful; He will not let us be tempted beyond what we can bear. But when we are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

So take the “I” out of team and sin, rejoice, and enjoy the JOY of life in Jesus Christ by learning to put:

Jesus first,

Others second,

Yourself last.

Do this by turning away from the sin of pride and checking your EGO at the door, for our EGO only Edges God Out of our lives.

• Do you seek to get all the glory for your accomplishments, or do you share the glory with your teammates and, more importantly, with God?
• Do you feel the need to control things, or are you able to turn everything over to the Lord and trust Him to provide, to get you where you need to be at the right time?
• Do you struggle with humility? Are you able to put Jesus first and others second, or do you think of yourself more highly than you should?
• Do you honor your commitments to others, or do you give in to the selfish desires of your heart?
• Are you able to find the joy in your sufferings?
• Are you content with where God has you right now?
• Wouldn’t you rather enjoy the thrill of victory in Christ, rather than the agony of defeat in sin?