We're Better Together 
This devotional was written by Jim Liebelt

From him the whole body, joined together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. — Ephesians 4:16     


Perhaps by now you’ve either read the book Seabiscuit by Laura Hillenbrand or seen the movie based upon it.  The book tells the true story Seasbiscuit, one of the greatest racing horses of the late 1930’s.  The story places a spotlight on four main characters: Seasbiscuit, the owner, the trainer and the jockey. It’s a tremendous “rags to riches” story as the horse goes from mediocrity to glory through the loving care of his handlers. I found that the most incredible part of the story, however, was not about Seabiscuit alone but rather the similarity found in all of the four main characters. Each, were down and out in some significant way. Each, in their own way trying to rise above the challenges that life had presented them. Each, when pulling together found a redemption of sorts – and accomplished what was unthinkable by themselves alone.  They were better together.

I’m not the type of person who spiritualizes everything.  In fact, I’m probably more likely not to spiritualize when spiritualizing is called for!  But, as I read this book I couldn’t help but think about how the main characters paralleled the Christian life.

No Christ-follower is an island unto themselves.  Christianity, while requiring an individual’s personal faith commitment is not an individual faith by its nature.  Christianity is designed to be lived out in community – not in isolation. Born out of the Father’s will, accomplished through Jesus’ death and resurrection, empowered and gifted by the Holy Spirit, each Christian has a role to play as part of the Body of Christ.  “…The whole body, joined together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself,” Paul writes in Ephesians, Chapter 4.

Together, we rise above our own weaknesses and challenges to become all that God has called us to be. Together, we accomplish more than we could ever dream of on our own. Simply, we’re better together.  Perhaps, if we pulled together a little harder – a little more often – we could become more of that shining “city on a hill”; the light that cannot be hidden; the light that Jesus said we were designed to be; the light that Jesus said in response to – people would sit up and take notice. It could happen. Together.       

To comment on today's devotional, click here .


       

GOING DEEPER:

1. Would you say that your Christian life is more individualistic or community oriented?

2. What action could you take to partner with other Christians to help build your faith and to make a difference in your local community?  Will you commit to taking that action?

FURTHER READING:

Romans 12:3-8, 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12


HomeWord
Encouraging Parents…Building Families

Other FREE resources from HomeWord and Jim Burns:
-
7 Minutes to Being a Better Parent
-Download HomeWord's daily broadcast
-Get your toughest parenting questions answered
HomeWord provides bottom-shelf, real-life, practical resources ranging from 411 (information) and 911 (crisis resources) to help parents.