The Right People

Last week, the NBA held its annual draft—and that always opens the door for plenty of criticism and argument about who was selected, who selected them, why they selected them, and whether it will turn out to be a wise choice or a wasted pick. Every team—and their fans—are concerned that they get the right people in order to improve their ability to compete and succeed in the upcoming NBA season. It all comes down to getting the right people.

Similarly, this important concept was pictured in the film “Miracle,” depicting the 1980 US Olympic ice hockey team’s march to an improbable Olympic gold medal. At the outset of the story, coach Herb Brooks is in the process of selecting the players for his team. He shows the list of names he has chosen for the team to assistant coach Craig Patrick, who, in surprise, says, “You’re missing some of the best players.” Brooks responds, “I’m not looking for the best players Craig, just the right ones.” Herb Brooks knew that individual talent would only take them so far. A willingness to fit into the style of selfless game he proposed would be far more important to their success than talent levels. In that way, the team’s success—not individual glory—became the priority. And only the right people would buy into that strategy.

Perhaps that is why Christ calls His followers as He does. In His purposes, each does his or her part, though none are superstars. Instead, “We are God’s fellow workers.” (1 Cor.3:9) The team (His body) is built up, His purposes are accomplished in the world, and He gets all the glory. When it comes to spiritual service, Jesus isn’t looking for those perceived as the best, the most talented, or even the most gifted “players.” He wants the right people to join with Him in His work—He will do the rest!

Bill Crowder, Sport Spectrum Chaplain