Lee Iacocca and Vince Lombardi, two legendary leaders were talking. Iacocca asked Lombardi what it took to make a winning team. Lombardi said a lot of good football teams have the fundamentals and the discipline but they don’t win any games. He said there is a third ingredient if you are going to play as a team. “You’ve got to care for one another. You’ve got to love one another. Each player has to be thinking about the next guy and saying to himself: ‘If I don’t block that man, Paul is going to get his leg broken. I have to do my job well in order that he can do his. … The difference between mediocrity and greatness is the feeling these guys have for each other.’” This story brings to mind this verse, from the book of Ephesians.

“I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him.”

Ephesians 1:19

Think of the church as a team, for just a moment. God gives us individually unique gifts, strengths, talents, and stories. Without Him we can do nothing (John 15:5). We have the fundamentals (biblical doctrine), we have the discipline (self control). But that isn’t enough. He puts us together as a team, and teaches us how to love one another and empowers us. Stay with the team image for a moment, now not even the gates of hell can stop us from winning! Come on Victory!

I have enjoyed being the pastor of men who knew both of these strong leaders, and hearing their stories about them. The qualities that Coach Lombardi spoke of characterized their lives. They had the fundamentals and discipline, and they loved Christ and his church! I’m honored to pastor men and women like that.

Later this week why does God give us power.

Peace!