Three-Legged Race
My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one - I in them and you in me - so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. John 17:20-23
INSIGHT
Once the air got crisp and the leaves began to change color, my elementary school held a fall festival. There was music, games, rides, and a wealth of food. Yet, for competitive kids like myself, taking home the ribbon as the winner of the three-legged race was the creme de la creme. It provided instant playground bragging rights for the victorious duo.
When all the teams stood at the starting line, no one saw my buddy Shaun and me as legitimate contenders. We weren't the most athletic, and being two of the most vertically challenged kids in class, our short legs put us at an instant disadvantage.
Everyone was shocked as we left the competition in our dust, except Shaun and I. While other squads fought over who would lead and call the shots, we worked as a team. We remained in step with one another.
I can't help but think of that race as I read today's passage where Jesus prays for the future church and us as believers. He desires for us to be ONE. He hopes that what would define us at our core is unity, togetherness, and love.
A bold prayer indeed, one that can only be realized if we're for each other. Humility conquering pride. Selflessness replacing selfishness. Letting go of our hopes and our needs for the greater good of those around us. This sounds good in theory, but we naturally meet resistance in making togetherness a reality. We love the idea of togetherness but resist the implications that come with living together.
Keeping in step with one another, and pursuing unity, requires communication and being honest about our hearts, our struggles, and our conflicts. Silence leads to assumptions and agendas where we head in the opposite direction, causing both parties to stumble.
We can spend our days focused solely on our little world and nothing else. We might cross the finish line on our own, but if we did so by dragging others along with us and hurting them in the process, then we lose in the end. Running the race marked out for us (Hebrews 11:1) is a team event. Togetherness isn’t about us simply getting along, but rather reflecting His image to the world. Our hope for change and impact remains tethered to our drive to help others succeed.
REFLECTION
What tangible steps are you taking to ensure Jesus' prayer for unity gets answered?
Is there a relationship where the two of you are out of step with one another? What conversations need to take place?
PRAYER
God, I want to be a champion for others. Open my eyes to where pride and selflessness remain inside my heart. Today, may I have others-focused eyes and a servant's heart. Where there is conflict, may I pursue reconciliation and redemption. In Your name, Jesus. Amen.
