Cooperation

Row, swim, cheer and skate

Physical activity

Explore some team sports that require precise coordination, and try mimicking their teamwork.

Discussion point: The secret to teamwork is to live unselfishly.

Some sports demand precise coordination between team members. Search out online clips of rowing teams, pairs skating, or synchronized swimming or diving, and watch how precisely the athletes mimic each other. Or perhaps you’ll be fortunate enough to watch similar teamwork in person. Then, the next time you are at the pool or the ice rink, see if your family “team” can be as coordinated as the athletes.

Use the discussion questions below to link the beauty of the synchronized athletic performances with the joy of living in unity with others. Finish your chat by asking God to send His Holy Spirit to bring unity to your family. If you wish, your prayer can reflect the relevant Scripture passages, as follows:

“Lord Jesus, we know it is good and pleasant when we live together in harmony. Please help us to love like You do so we can be united like ________ (name your sport of choice). Remind us to think about others and not just ourselves. With Your help, we can remember to say, ‘Brother / Sister, let’s do it your way today.’ Amen.”

Questions for discussion
  • Can you think of some sports where the athletes need to be very coordinated?
  • What would happen if there wasn’t complete cooperation among the athletes?
  • Do you think working as a coordinated team is as easy as it looks?
  • Was it easy when we tried it?
  • Is it easy to get along with the people who live in our home?
  • What are some ways we can practice living at peace with other people?
  • What advice does Philippians 2:1-4 give about living in unity?
Key concepts

Rowing, synchronized swimming or diving, cheerleading and pairs figure skating are some examples of team sports that require incredible synchronization. The athletes competing in these sports often practice with their team or partner for years, and the results are a joy to watch.

God wants us to practice and develop an equally attractive kind of cooperation and coordination called “unity.” The Bible tells us that the secret to living in harmony or cooperation with others is to live unselfishly. We do this when we put the needs of others before our own.

Relevant Scripture

Psalm 133:1 “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!

Philippians 2:1-4 “So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.