team

The older I get, the more I am impressed by the value of teamwork. As a young man, I had the attitude of “I can do it myself”. My personal orphan issues frequently caused me to hold people at a distance, especially those who could have helped me. As a result, at times I struggled to accomplish what I had set out to do.

I am keenly aware that in every current endeavor in which I am involved, I will fall short of potential success if I choose to ignore those who can play a vital role in the unfolding of the endeavor. I am continually watchful for those whom God brings across my path that have the same interests and God-given dreams that I have. I watch for those with whom I can have the gifts, wisdom, and experiences that I lack.

I want to differentiate between true teamwork and the practice of using people to accomplish goals. I have seen people manipulate others for the purpose of selfish gain. In these situations, the project is more important than the relationship; people are used and then discarded. True teamwork involves mutual benefit for all involved in the relationships.

The God-pattern for teamwork can be seen within the nature of God. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit work together, not dominating each other but in mutual submission to each other. When the church functions as God intended, we discover the same type of relationships that propel us farther and faster than we could have gone alone. The writer of Hebrews challenges us to get together for the purpose of mutual exhortation.

The principles of relational teamwork apply to all areas of life. I encourage you to invite people to walk with you in the unfolding of your God-given dreams and responsibilities.