Teamwork

“…Lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:1-2

God’s dearest desire is that we will all be one in Our Lord, Jesus Christ. He wants us all to have and express the love He gives to us. In this passage from Ephesians, Paul tell us the “how” of working toward unity: by being humble, gentle, patient, loving. Life provides us the “where” as we work together toward all kinds of goals: winning a game or a contract, completing a project or starting something new.
Most worthwhile goals are accomplished by people working together as a team. Each member brings his or her strengths to a common cause. As we work together, we grow together. We become united and because of this unity, our team can accomplish more.
Teamwork is often messy at the start. We have different ideas of what is the goal, exactly, and how to get there. Some members of the team are more committed than others. We may want a greater role for ourselves than others see for us. Maybe we hoard a role someone else could do better, or hang on to a hated job for fear of burdening someone else with it – not recognizing another might prize that task.
When we bring our best selves to the team – our humble, gentle, patient, loving, Christ-like selves – the work is easier for everyone as we forgive missteps, try new things and surrender ideas that limit how we can serve.
As Christians, our desire for unity means that everyday life calls for this same kind of teamwork. We have opportunities every day to grow in Christ and encourage the spiritual growth of others by acting like Christ with everyone we encounter.

Loving Jesus, show me how I can work with others each day to encourage the unity you desire for us. Amen.