Word of the Week - Team
“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will life up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him-a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Power and synergy of Relationships - I love how God created humanity with a focus on relationship with Him and others. This is the great commandment and the essence of our faith, to Love God and Love others. In His divine Wisdom God put certain principals into motion that are true and delightful such as the practical and divine synergy of Team. I think we all recognize that we are much better together as part of a Team or Body opposed to trying to do life solo. For some reason we all have a tendency towards independence and trying to do things in our own strength, this is human nature and somewhat the American way. Our country was pioneered and built with a spirit of rugged individualism, which definitely has some positive attributes. That being said, we can only go so far in life on our own strength and talents but can do so much more together as part of a Team, especially when we put together the right combination of talented people with a clear focus and mission. Even more powerful and fulfilling is a high powered Team that has the hand of God’s blessing on it; this divine blessing is the ultimate experience for a believer. To live on purpose in your gifting as part of a Team where your giftings are exponentially multiplied through the synergy of the Team, where 1 + 1 > 3. This is great but I believe if we have God’s favor and divine wisdom there is more synergy and blessing where 1+1+God >5!!!!
Joy and Protection in a Team - Not only do we have upside and synergy in Team but it is much more enjoyable to win with a team than solo. Life is simply more joyful when we are doing life with others. Even more important is the great protection we have when we are connected to a Team. No matter how strong and competent we are in our giftings and life situation, there will be times of adversity and discouragement when we will be knocked down by the circumstances of life. If we are running solo there is a meaningful chance that we will not have anyone there to lift a hand to help us up and out in times of need. Even in the times of victory and accomplishment, we can become vulnerable to pride and self-centeredness and need friends and Teammates to admonish us and protect us from self-destructing. “As iron sharpens iron, son one man sharpens another” Proverbs 27:17. There is an enemy of our soul that has one objective, which is to isolate us so that he can take us down and out, especially if we are living for God’s Kingdom. We must remain connected to our teammates in an honest and intimate way so we have their covering and visa-versa. In doing so we have the opportunity to provide the same covering and protection to them, which is an opportunity to minister to our Teammates. The bottom line is that life is much better together because this is how God our Creator designed it. “so that they may take hold of life that is truly life” 1 Timothy 6:19
We all have a place on God’s Team - Finally, we may not feel like part of a Team in certain areas of our lives but we must understand that we all have a place on God’s Team. The Kingdom is incomplete if we have not found our place and purpose. “As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, ...” 1 Cor 12:20-25 So make sure you do all that is necessary to Know God, Find Freedom, Discover Your Purpose and Make a Difference by serving on God’s Team using your unique gifts to do what God has created you to do with others.
“Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows ordinary people to achieve extraordinary results” – Andrew Carnegie
We are better together for the Glory of God!!!!
Be a great team player and have a great week…
Duane