Let's win together!

A group of people who come together with a shared goal can do amazing things! The New England Patriots just completed a perfect season in their league going all the way without a single loss. Now they have only to win the Super Bowl to become a legendary team. That word is appropriate for those men. No single factor has produced their success. They have an outstanding quarterback in Brady, but who would he be without Moss or Faulk or Welker to carry the ball? They have a brilliant coach in Belichick, but he needs the cooperation of the men he leads. Bruschi, Seau, and Harrison lead a solid defense. Admire the individuals, but everyone acknowledges that their success belongs to the team.

Jesus Christ calls us to join His team - the Church. Believers who want to be most effective for God, who want to enjoy the best kind of Christianity, will not fall for the highly personalized "gotta do my own thing" experience that has captured so many. They will not go to church just to extract something for themselves. They will commit to a team that has a goal of building up God's kingdom, learn their calling, perfect the gifts that God gives them for service, and celebrate the success of the church.

I have the privilege of observing a team of Believers everyday, people who inspire me by the way they serve together. At Good Shepherd Christian Academy, (http://www.gscacademy.com/) our local Christian school, there is a genuine team in place. The goal of creating a school where children can learn in an atmosphere of academic excellence, be taught the truth of the Scripture, and see the Lordship of Jesus modeled in everyday life has brought together a group of people who give of themselves in amazing ways. They are from at least 8 different local congregations and yet they function as a tightly knit, well coached team! Their love for the mission and ministry supersedes the need to be a star, to earn a big salary, or to enjoy individual recognition. Go team!

I see the team spirit modeled in our church's music ministry. God has brought together skilled musicians and people who are passionate about music. None needs to shine individually. None insists on 'doing it his way.' They work together to create music that helps the people in the pews to open up their hearts to the Presence of God. As they give up their individuality, a symphony emerges; for the glory of God.

Teams will not function at a high level of effectiveness in an atmosphere of criticism or competitiveness. Those on the team must be individually motivated to give their best. They must desire the success of the team far more than their own glory. The old cliché says, "There is no 'I' in 'team!'" and it is true.

The Word says, "Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." (Hebrews 10:24-25, NIV) There are key truths wrapped up in those few words.

First is this - "Consider!" The word is about taking time to think it through. Team unity and effort must be intentional. It does not just happen. We have to purposefully seek to build a team.

Second is "Spur one another on." That phrase is about getting the job done by calling each other to get with the program. We are not in a mutual admiration society where we only say nice things that cover mediocrity! Those who are on a team give each other a 'kick in the behind' when necessary, not because of selfishness, but to urge the highest level of participation!

Third is "Meet together." We give priority to the group and to coming together to strengthen our ties to one another.

Fourth is "Encourage one another!" The word in the Bible's original text is the same root word used as a title for the Holy Spirit, 'the Advocate, the Comforter.' We are to become advocates who offer cheers, support, and love to each other with the purpose of urging a maximum effort in the work of God.

And why do we do this?
Not for a Super Bowl ring or a trophy, not for a certificate of recognition. Peter says we do it to win an eternal "crown of glory that fadeth not away."

The Kingdom of God, when built on His Lordship, shaped by the Gifts of the Spirit, and oiled by generous amounts of bold love, brings amazing blessings to humanity. Are you part of the team of Believers building who are seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness? Let's win together!

Here's a word from the Word. Think deeply on it today.
"If you’ve gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care— then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don’t push your way to the front; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead." (Philippians 2:1-3, The Message)