TEAMWORK

This morning I awoke with the same thought that I went to bed pondering. In fact I dreamed about it most of the night. If I work on a project and set my mind to it I PROBABLY can accomplish it. However, if someone helps me with the project I can CERTAINLY accomplish it. Having others to help with a project motivates us to finish, is more enjoyable, reduces burnout, and reduces the workload thus allowing for more to be accomplished

Why then if teamwork promotes healthy returns would anyone not be a team player? These are thoughts that have plagued my mind. Maybe it's because of low self-esteem. Some refuse to get involved fearing they don't have much to offer. Others resist involvement due to selfishness. The work at hand doesn't benefit them. Some refuse to be team players because they want ALL the credit rather than sharing credit for a job well done with others. Regardless, each of these are based upon self.

Some people refuse altar work. Of course if they bring their family or friends they want EVERYONE praying. Some refuse to worship or promote a good service. Again if they have a special need or have a family or friend who does they EXPECT a good service and can't understand why every one's not involved in promoting a worshipful service. Some refuse to reach outside their friend groups for social interaction. Of course if they are hurting, sick, hospitalized, having a birthday party, etc they expect every one's attention. Some only participate in events in a church that seem fun to them, meet their needs, or ones they are responsible for. They forget these events are planned because someone needs them. Some just seem to never make the effort unless it rewarding to them. They can't see other's who may benefit from their presence. After all it's all about them.

Teamwork requires flexibility. Some are so rigid that the slightest change makes them want to quit rather than see the benefit of a change even if the change is temporary. Again, its all about them . This is the reason it must remain thy way they've always done things.

Teamwork is about doing what the other can't do and individualism is about doing what I want to do. Temwork is about making others look good while I don't have to have the recognition. Teamwork is about getting more accomplished as a group.

Teamwork in a praise team means some have to sing softer rather than overshadow the group. Teamwork in the band means maybe cutting out the fancy stuff in order to blend better and make the entire group sound better. Teamwork in evangelism means some plant, some water, some fertilize, some harvest but we all realize God brings the increase. Teamwork in small groups means we all make the effort to attend because a newcomer or discouraged person needs to feel the love from many. Teamwork in caring for others means we share in carrying one anothers burdens.

Teamwork is rewarding for the person feeling the benefits of many just as it is for those on the team. If I care for one person then that person knows I love them but if a team of people cares then that person thinks, "Wow, I'm truly loved!" Besides in a church I don't want to look like the
'good' person. Rather I want everyone to view our church (team) as a good church.

I believe in the framework of a church good people become self-centered. While they may not be tempted to turn their backs on God they may be tempted to turn to themselves. I have been pastor's wife long enough to know that this creates pride. Proverbs 1 6:8 Pride goeth before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall. While blatant things against God will not come first to many if we become self centered prides enter because we want to LOOK GOOD. Soon after a fall occurs.

Today this pastor's wife wants to promote healthy teamwork thus diffusing pride. Unfortunately, I can give too many accounts of where individualism gave way to pride and soon after a complete fall occurred. Lord, help us get our eyes off ourselves and the things we call 'ours'. Help us to see others, work with others, and help others.