T.E.A.M.

Polls confirm that Americans hold the Congress of the United States in very low regard because we believe that those elected to represent us are more interested in self-advancement and/or party power than in doing good for the country. Interestingly, that opinion is shared about equally by Left and Right! American politics are polarized and we all are losing out as a result. In place of consistent policies that would encourage long-term planning and investment, we appear to be doomed to lurches to the Left, then to the Right, as we try to elect representatives who will be true public servants rather than party slaves. The last glimpse we had of national unity was in 2001, after the attacks of 9/11 temporarily stunned the Capitol into silence for a few weeks.

Unity that grows out of a shared sense of mission and purpose is an amazing thing to behold. Spouses who love their marriage more than themselves, create a strong family unit! Disciples who understand that they are to seek ‘the common good’ (1 Cor. 12:7) build great churches! It’s just good sense, isn’t it? But, those who are completely able to forget themselves are rare, indeed. Nobody is exempt from the temptation to self-centeredness. Little children fight for a silly toy, raising a terrible cry when another takes their teddy bear. Grown men carefully guard their turf and reputation, making certain to get what they feel they deserve. The men who lived near to Jesus observing His life and love were oblivious to the approaching end of His ministry, the danger to His life, because they were pre-occupied with Self. On the night of Jesus’ betrayal, at the Last Supper, we learn that they were "bickering over who of them would end up the greatest." (Luke 22:24, The Message)

Time and again, Jesus taught them about self-forgetfulness. He took a child and urged them to become ‘like a little child’ in faith and service. We miss the point because child occupy a privileged valued position in our culture. In Jesus’ time they were not generally so blessed. They were many, expendable, and in large families where they were expected to work hard for the good of the family! In another passage, He warned about doing righteous acts ‘to be seen of men.’ If that is the motive, the only result is applause which fades quickly! Performers are seldom good servants! Recognition is more important to them than the mission or the people.

Here’s a word from the Word. It is a command. Let us treat it as such, and seek to conform our acts and attitudes to it.
"Make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.
Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others.
Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. …
Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth." (Philippians 2:2-5, 9-10, NLT)

An acronym for T.E.A.M. circulated a few years ago. It remains true.
T-ogether E-veryone A-ccomplishes M-ore!

"There should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it." (1 Corinthians 12:25-27, NIV)

Do you believe it?___________________