Stars

As I watched the National Basketball (NBA) Finals, I realized how much we like stars more than teams. It was a battle between Kevin Durant (most people gave him a white hat) and LeBron James (most gave him a black hat.) And they were exciting. But the teams were a bit of an afterthought. We forget that, in order to win, other people need to rebound, score, block, assist and otherwise give a rest to tired stars. Oh, and we like to knock stars off of pedestals, too!

We are always on the prowl for the next superstar, whether it is in sports or politics or entertainment. None of these people, however, could reach star status without a supporting cast; most of who toil in the background for little fame or pay.

As cool as Jesus was, he poured himself into his team. He knew the success of his ministry did not depend solely on him but on others carrying it forward. Jesus even shunned the spotlight. The team needed Him and He needed the team.

Pay attention to team players today, whether at the store, work, school, recreation, home or church. Thank them for their important role.

Look beyond stars. Embrace the teams in your life. Value your importance on a team even if you are not a star.

Here is our Lord's take on being the "star."

⁵ In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 

6 Who, being in very nature God,
    did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
⁷ rather, he made himself nothing
    by taking the very nature of a servant,
    being made in human likeness.
⁸ And being found in appearance as a man,
    he humbled himself
    by becoming obedient to death —
        even death on a cross!  Philippians 2:5-8 (NIV)