UNPACK This...Being a Good Teammate in LifeSample

"Next Man Up"

The New York Knicks were nearly dealt a devastating blow during the 2025 regular season, as All-Star guard Jalen Brunson suffered a serious ankle injury toward the end of a New York loss.

But despite the void that Brunson's injury was going to leave on New York's roster, the Knicks didn't throw in the towel on what had been a successful season up to that point.

Regarding Brunson's injury, center Karl-Anthony Towns commented matter-of-factly, "It's next man up."

As followers of Jesus, we all have the tremendous honor and privilege of having "teammates" in the body of Christ.

Sometimes, our "teammates" will suffer "injuries," such as health issues, family crises, and work-related challenges. During those times, we must recognize that God has placed us on the "team" so that we might rise to the occasion and meet the needs as best we can.

When we recognize a need in the lives of one of our brothers and sisters, we are to immediately do whatever is within our power to help serve them.

Proverbs 3:27-28 (ESV) says, "Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. Do not say to your neighbor, 'Go, and come again, tomorrow I will give it'—when you have it with you."

While it's easy to offer quick platitudes or well wishes when someone is "injured," we have been called to demonstrate the reality of our faith by mobilizing to serve our fellow believers.

James 2:25-26 (NASB) explains, "If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,' yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that?"

Today, let's be intentional about identifying needs around us, especially in the lives of our fellow brothers and sisters. As we see them, let's be quick to spring into action as the "next man up," serving and caring for our fellow "teammates" for the glory of God!

I'm Matt Osborne, and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please help me be attentive to the needs of others. Help me see how I can best serve my fellow brothers and sisters, and give me the strength to serve others well for Your glory. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.