Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves…. Philippians 2:3 (NIV)

I’m sitting here watching my son at soccer practice. I have to hand it to Coach Bob. He’s a great guy with a big heart, and coaching fourteen sixth graders is a lot like herding cats. It seems most of Bob’s effort is spent trying to get the boys to work together—passing the ball and working as a team. But if you know anything about sixth-grade boys, playing like a team seems to go against their constitution.

I’m reminded that playing soccer is a lot like life, and we adults also tend to hog the ball. It’s in our nature to make a name for ourselves rather than to pass the ball and share the glory.

So, when we’re on the job and the boss recognizes some accomplishment, do we share the credit with others who were involved? Or do we simply let the boss think we did it by ourselves?

When we volunteer for a project that we know will receive praise, do we look for ways to include others—or do we hog the spotlight for ourselves?

The truth is that my son’s soccer team could go a lot further if the boys would work as a team and utilize one another’s strengths. If they could just learn it doesn’t depend on any one of them but on the group as a whole, they would have an unbeatable team.

Consider the importance of valuing others above yourself. Are you a ball hog? Would everyone benefit if you passed the ball and shared the glory? Ask the Lord how you can honor others by being a good team player—in whatever arena you find yourself in.

Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Romans 12:10 (NIV)