Teammates of the late Willie Stargell called him "Pops" because of his leadership both on and off the baseball field. In 1979, when Stargell led the Pittsburgh Pirates to their second World Series title, the team was nicknamed "The Family" because of their close relationship.

"We won, we lived, and we enjoyed as one," Stargell said. "We molded together dozens of different individuals into one working force. We were products of different races, were raised in different income brackets, but in the clubhouse and on the field we were one."

Does that describe us as followers of Christ? When God's family assembles in heaven, it will include believers "out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation" (Revelation 5:9). What a wonderful gathering that will be!

Until then, we are instructed "to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:3). How can we do that? By living "with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love" (v.2).

As Christians, we are incredibly different and diverse. But we are family. Our heavenly Father calls us to lay aside prejudice, self-interest, and pride as we work toward a supernatural unity that honors Him.  —DCM  — David C. McCasland