God's Coaching #23

God's Coaching #23

By working together, families at St. Mary’s Diocesan School for Girls in South Africa proved they could accomplish anything—including setting a new world record! Beginning on January 23, 2009, St. Mary’s started a 24-hour swim-a-thon to raise money for the school. By the end of those 24 hours, 3,941 people had participated in the relay by swimming one length of the pool.

All those kicks and strokes set a new Guinness World Record for “most people swimming one length in a 24-hour relay.” You didn’t even know there was a world record for that, did you? Not only did St. Mary’s accomplish a huge goal, but they also raised more than 400,000 rand (South African currency). Most of that money went to install heating equipment in the pool, while the rest was saved for other pool-related expenses.

What’s the Score?

Which is harder: five people trading off laps and swimming for 24 hours or nearly 4,000 people swimming one lap each in the same time? The answer is obvious. St. Mary’s came together as a community to easily set a record and to raise a lot of money.

As Christians, we need to have that same “team” attitude. God gives us the strength to make the right decisions and to accomplish big things on earth. When we work together with other believers, we can create a tidal wave of goodness. By speaking with one voice and coming together with one mind, we work as one body. The apostle Paul wrote, “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 15:5-6, NIV).

God gave us his Word so we can know him, understand how we should live, and stand up for the truth. When believers all stand up for the same thing, it creates a lot of teamwork. And in God’s eyes, teamwork is a good thing.

On the Ball

Do you see other kids at school or at church accomplishing big things? Is there something that needs to be improved in your neighborhood or school? Whether you’re leading a movement or joining in the process, always look to work as a team.

Coach’s Comment

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:5-6 (NIV)