We Are On The Same Team-Right? … Hello Hump Day Readers. It is NFL time. Not my favorite, just too many injuries and outrageous amounts of money, etc. But I tolerate football for a few times as Al enjoys it and of course, we both root for the Packers, Cardinals and for me—the Chiefs.

A few days ago I read a story about Richie Incognito who played for the Miami Dolphins starting in 2010. Don’t ask me why I read it—it just showed up in my Smithsonian and it made me wonder why they would have anything about the NFL. Well, read below…

It was a surprise that the Dolphins took Incognito since he had a long history of inappropriate behavior dating back to his time in college as a Nebraska Cornhusker. The Dolphins thought they could change his terrible attitude; after all they needed a good offensive lineman and he was one of the best. By 2013 he had accolades and accomplishments but his own team players begged the coach to trade him. Why? He would taunt relentlessly, beat you up physically or mentally or both. He called it “locker-room talk” but he went way past that. Then he threatened to kill offensive tackle Jonathan Martin. Why? It wasn’t about bad playing; it was about his color and Incognito hated anything that wasn’t white. In the end, it was too late for Martin. He quit the team citing emotional issues and he feared for his life because of Incognito’s threats and behavior to him and his family.

The Smithsonian was talking about the problems of rage, racism, bullying; Incognito was one of the subjects. All the signs were there but no one cared. The Dolphins knew he was tossed from the Rams and the Bills, but it was all about money. It was only when Incognito said he would slap Martin’s mother and then kill her that the team booted him out. In 2018, Incognito was arrested after an incident at a funeral home where he threatened to shoot employees while making funeral arrangements for his father. Police seized two Glocks, three rifles, and a suppressor for a handgun in his truck. Employees told the police that Incognito wanted to cut off his father’s head to be donated for research purposes, and that he had walked through the funeral home punching caskets and throwing objects.

OK, why am I sharing this story with you? Consider all the reasons these two men had to be friends—both were football players on the same team with the same coach. Both were starters and wanted to win. Both were millionaires. Yet somewhere along the way, they forgot they were supposed to be on the same team.

In much the same way, Christians of all stripes have many more reasons to honor one another than to dishonor one another. Both have the same owner, the same Savior, the same Spirit, the same playbook, and the same enemy. But in these politically charged times, we see the ‘Incognitos’ bashing other denominations. Aren’t we also supposed to be on the same team—the team of Jesus Christ who called us to care for one another no matter religion, financial status, race or sexual preferences or political ideals?

In 1 Peter 3:8-12 [Voice] we heed this warning: “Finally, all of you, be like-minded and show sympathy, love, compassion, and humility to and for each other—not paying back evil with evil or insult with insult, but repaying the bad with a blessing. It was this you were called to do, so that you might inherit a blessing. It is written in the psalms, If you love life and want to live a good, long time, then be careful what you say. Don’t tell lies or spread gossip or talk about improper things. Walk away from the evil things in the world—just leave them behind, and do what is right, and always seek peace and pursue it. For the Lord watches over the righteous, and His ears are attuned to their prayers. But His face is set against His enemies; and He will punish evildoers.”

Those of us who are Jesus followers have to be on the same team! So, let’s work on being a force for unity—something Jesus asked more than anything of us in his short life on this earth. Work with others to accomplish the purpose Jesus has given us. And for heaven-sakes, ask God to give you a heart of love toward other believers—even those with whom you may disagree. Amen – let it be so, AMEN!