S E L F I S H   P L A Y E R S

Proverbs 18:1

Do you have any teammates who seem to compete for themselves and tend to shun their responsibilities to the team?  Is there anything wrong with separating my personal competition from the rest of the team?  Should I pursue my personal goals if they conflict with the team's goals?

In the book of Proverbs at chapter 18 and verse 1 it says, “He who separates himself seeks his own desire, and quarrels against all sound wisdom.”

If you see a teammate who separates himself from the team, always trying to be an individual rather than part of the team, be sure that he's seeking his own desire.  The danger is obvious to the writer of the proverb.  This person is fighting against everything that makes sense about team activity.

The Proverbs and the whole Bible are written in the context of relationship.  God is our Maker and He knows that we operate best when we work together.  The Lord's wisdom is revealed best when we compete in loving, respectful relationships.  That's what it is to be a team, to have strong relationships with teammates and to seek the best for the team, not for one's self.

As you prepare  for competition in prayer today, ask the Lord to keep you properly related to your teammates and coaches.  Ask Him for the grace to not seek your own desire and so separate yourself from the team.

Bible Reading Plan:

Mark 11:27-33

II Corinthians 7