“Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on.” — Mark 2:4
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Team management wants peace within the organization of a professional football team. It’s a constant goal but not easy to attain. Every individual possesses different preferences and personalities. But to make things work, everyone needs to put aside personal agendas for the greater good. Inner conflicts weaken the team and lessen the chances of success. Unselfish players and coaches are more likely to win consistently than self-absorbed people.
When a crippled man needed healing in the Bible, four friends forgot their personal plans for a little while and brought him to Jesus. If those men would have focused on themselves, then the man may have never walked again. Teamwork made the difference. “Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on” (Mark 2:3-4).
As soon as the man was near Jesus, Jesus spoke and changed everything. Suddenly, the man walked and lived a normal life. If the four men argued or criticized one another, then the paralyzed man might have remained crippled. Their unselfishness and cooperation opened the door for a wonderful opportunity. As soon as Jesus spoke, a miracle happened. “He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, ‘We have never seen anything like this!’” (Mark 2:12).
In the Bible, unity among believers is emphasized often. We do more together than we do as individuals, and outsiders are drawn to churches if they see harmony in the fellowship. In Paul’s letters, he often spoke about the importance of working to keep peace. Paul said Christ is not divided and His followers should be united for a greater purpose. “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all” (Ephesians 4:4-6).
— Bill Kent, Pastor of Memorial Baptist Church, Sylvania, Georgia
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