What if the primary question we asked wasn’t “What’s in it for me?” but “What is Jesus calling me to do for the sake of others?”
That question has been stirring in my heart lately. This past Sunday, I used the movie Formula One (F1) as a jumping-off point because it gave me such a clear picture of how the body of Christ is meant to function.
The Quiet Power of the Team
When I first went to see F1, I expected the usual race car thrills: roaring engines, dramatic crashes, and a big finish. It had all of that, but what surprised me were the quieter moments—the pit crew working behind the scenes, a seasoned driver mentoring a rookie, the sacrifices made by the people you never see on the podium.
It struck me how different this was from other racing movies. Most only focus on the driver—the lone hero. But F1 widens the lens. And that immediately made me think of Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 12:
“The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ.”
Every part matters. Every role counts. And when the team wins, we all win.
Faithfulness Over Fame
We also looked at Acts 20, where Paul gives his farewell to the elders of the church in Ephesus. He knows this will likely be his last time seeing them, yet his focus isn’t on recognition or comfort—it’s on finishing the race that God set before him:
“I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.”
That challenges me. Am I living with that same kind of clarity and humility?
Asking the Right Questions
We’re at an important point in the life of our church as we discern what’s next—including the potential merger with Oceanview Methodist. And I have to ask myself: Am I only concerned with how this will affect my Sunday worship?
Dietrich Bonhoeffer once said:
“The church is only the church when it exists for others.”
That means we don’t just think about what happens inside these walls. We ask how we can love our neighbors better, how we can multiply our mission, and how we can address the very real needs in our community—like homelessness, hunger, and isolation.
From Fan to Follower
Here’s the truth: it’s easy to be a fan of Jesus. Fans sit on the sidelines. They watch, they critique, and they celebrate other people’s victories. But followers? Followers get in the race.
That’s what Paul modeled. That’s what the veteran driver Sonny Hayes modeled in F1. Both of them knew that no one wins alone.
Two Steps I’m Taking
This week, I’m challenging myself—and I’m inviting you—to take two practical steps:
- Look inward. Are you showing up for your team? Are you mentoring someone else in the faith? Are you letting others help you?
- Look outward. Who in your life needs to see Jesus in action through you this week? Who can you invite to church, encourage, or pray for?
Helen Keller once said, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
I believe that’s true for us as a church. We’re not called to be spectators. We’re called to serve together, build each other up, and finish the race God has set before us.
So, where is God asking you to step in—or maybe step back—so that someone else can flourish?