At a recent Local Arrangement, we used the Action For Children service that promotes their current campaign ‘A star in every child’. It is raising money to ensure that each child reaches their potential. It emphasises the uniqueness of each individual alongside the essentials that everyone needs to survive and thrive.
It reminded me of a recent TV programme in which Freddie Flintoff attempts to make a young cricket team from a band of young men, most of which had never played before and many who definitely weren’t fulfilling their potential when they first joined training. However, after months of training they began to gain a team identity and by working together built camaraderie and confidence. When a new member joined who had talent and was a real star in the team, this bound them together with respect for him and challenge for the others and made them stronger.
On Sunday morning I listened to the Radio 4 Morning service that came from Birmingham and celebrated the forthcoming Commonwealth games. The theme was Unity in Diversity and the preacher spoke of everyone being diverse but equal and all vital for the community or team reaching its potential. Corinthians 1:12-31 was used to illustrate the point especially verse 25-6,”All parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honoured, every part rejoices with it.”
When we work together collectively, the result is much more than the sum of our individual achievements, talents and skills. It is a new great magnificent creation. Like a recently constructed sports team, community group or church where diverse identities blend together to forward a collective aim.
So where will you shine today? In your small corner or as part of a world wide team?
A prayer:
Lord,
Sometimes we are isolated flames speaking and acting for you quietly in the darkness of the world. Other times we are called to be part of a collective fire blazing with justice and fighting for the weak. Wherever You place us today, help us to shine as stars for You. Amen