Teamwork
Monday— For though I am free from all, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may win more. 1 Corinthians 9:19
“Not my job!” announced Bev as she breezed past the cluttered break room. “But—” called Larry after her. He frowned at the overflowing trashcan and shook his head. “That’s why nothing gets done around here,” he muttered to himself. “Nobody wants to be taken advantage of, so nobody does anything that’s not printed on their job descriptions.” He swept paper plates and coffee cups into a trash bag with one arm. Straightening, he rubbed his arthritic back. “When me and Dad started this company, we did everything from cleaning toilets to signing contracts.” He sighed. “Guess I failed to pass on our work ethic.”
The lack of a good work ethic destroys companies—and churches. In most American churches, 20% of members do 80% of the work. Why is that? Do active servers have nothing else to do? No. They understand the reason behind the work. They serve the Lord, not people. They’ll empty the trashcans when it’s not their job. They’ll rock babies when it’s not their week. They’ll visit nursing homes, hospitals, and prisons even when it’s unpleasant. Why? Because they understand what Paul meant. He chose the role of servant so that more people would hear the gospel. Whatever he had to do, he did it because he understood his life purpose. When we recognize that our life purpose is to be the hands and feet of Jesus, sharing His good news with the world, our attitude should never be “Not my job” but “What else can I do for you, Lord?”
Challenge: Do you have the “Not my job” attitude? Servants of the Lord view any opportunity to please Him as their job.
Prayer: Lord, do I have that attitude? Am I content to sit in church and let others serve me week after week? I’m missing out on the teamwork you require and the blessings that come with it. I’m ready to change that. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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Tuesday—God has given you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them to serve one another. 1 Peter 4:10
“I speak in tongues,” Zane said with a lift of his brow. “I receive words of wisdom and knowledge, so many spiritual gifts. How about you?” Kyle juggled the crying toddlers in his arms and grimaced at the spilled juice cups on the nursery floor. “Um, well yeah,” he said and quieted a fussing baby. “Sure, I guess. Don’t really think about it. Whenever I can help out, I just do it.” Zane smirked. “That’s kind of you, but I’m talking about spirituality. Son, maybe one day you’ll be as spiritually mature as I am.” Kyle brightened. “Okay,” he said. “Would you take Mattie so I can clean up the mess?” Zane shook his head. “Not my gift.”
Spirituality is a popular claim, but if that claim doesn’t result in service, it’s empty. Claiming a strong relationship with God while neglecting His church and His work is like claiming to love your kids but refusing to feed or clothe them. Love for God will ALWAYS result in a desire to serve Him. That’s how He designed us. A gardener doesn’t consider it thankless work when she’s gardening. A pilot doesn’t consider flying a plane a drudgery. It’s who they are doing what they’re created to do. And when we surrender our lives to the lordship of Jesus, He changes our nature. We’re eager to find ways to serve Him and His people. Priorities realign and we recognize what really matters. Furthering God’s kingdom is not a burden. It’s who we are.
Challenge: Are you using the gifts God gave you to serve Him and His family?
Prayer: Father, I fear I’m squandering the gifts you’ve given me by not investing myself in your work. I get so busy with life, work, and family, I push your priorities off to the side. Help me reorganize my life so I can bless others. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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Wednesday— This makes for harmony among the members, so that all members care for each other. 1 Corinthians 12:25
Devin laced up his cleats and jerked his head toward Ricky, the batboy. “Can’t believe Coach is letting that retard come with us to our game against Texas,” he snorted. “And for that matter, why do we have to take our third baseman? He’s terrible.” Ted, the pitcher, stood and frowned. “Knock it off, Dresher. They’re part of the team like we are. They deserve to go too.” Devin snorted again and stood, towering over his friend. “I’m the best player in the league,” he said. “Rangers are looking at me. Dodgers too. So I should have a say about who’s important and who’s not.” A deep voice boomed through the clubhouse. “I’m the one who decides that, Dresher,” roared the coach. “And I’ve decided Wilson will go instead of you. You just struck out.”
We humans are all about comparison. We like our car until we see the new models. We’re okay with our appearance until we see someone better looking, taller, more muscular… We do that about spiritual things too. “How do I get into leadership around here?” people often ask. A wise pastor responds, “Well, tell me which teams you’re already involved with?” Usually, there’s an awkward pause and that’s their answer. We earn our way into leadership by faithfully serving in lots of ways. God doesn’t trust us with greater responsibilities when pride, not service, is our motivation. Leaders cultivate other people’s gifts as well as their own. Whether we’re a janitor, baby rocker, or teen mentor, all gifts are equally valuable when we use them for the Lord.
Challenge: If you can’t find where God wants you to serve, you’re probably looking too high up.
Prayer: Father, this humbles me. I’ve struggled to find my place. Maybe I’m looking too high up. I know all you’ve given me and assume that’s how you should use me, but those are your gifts, not mine. Show me where you want me. Amen.
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Thursday— Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. Romans 12:4-5
“Hey, Boss, just letting you know I won’t be in today,” said Rod. “I smashed my pinkie toe and will have some minor surgery.” The snort coming from the phone could be heard next door. “Pinkie toe? Are you serious? You don’t need your pinkie toe to balance our books. I need your brain, not your toes.” Rod rolled his eyes and spoke slowly. “Maybe you didn’t understand me. I have to have surgery. My broken toe affects my entire body and because of it, my brain won’t be in today either.”
When our pinkie toe hurts, it affects our entire body. A burst appendix, kidney stones, or a broken leg forces the rest of our body into bed for days. The other parts are not sick, but when one part malfunctions, it affects everything else. Consider these common statements: “Hey, Carol, just letting you know I won’t be in the nursery today. Golfing. I’m sure you can find somebody else.” Or “Hey, Pastor, just letting you know I can’t usher this weekend. Catching up on work. I’m sure Pete or Jeff can do it.” Our lack of dependability affects the whole body. Our gifts are missed and those less gifted must take up the slack. Not everyone can work with babies or toddlers, teach teenagers, greet newcomers, counsel, preach, or organize events, so the whole body relies on those who can. When they don’t serve where they’re gifted, the whole body of Christ suffers.
Challenge: Think of five people who bless the church by using their gifts. What if they weren’t there? What if you’re not?
Prayer: Father, am I keeping the body healthy by doing my part? Are my gifts being wasted because the opportunities before me don’t suit my taste? Help me stop exalting my own worth, roll up my sleeves, and dive into serving. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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Friday— For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. Galatians 5:13
Sue married the love of her life. He was everything she’d prayed for in a husband, so she spent a lot of time daydreaming about ways she could please him. As hard as she tried, she couldn’t out-give him. It became a happy competition to see who could show the most love. He brought her flowers; she cooked his favorite meal. She saved her money and bought him Super Bowl tickets; he surprised her with a day at the spa. That’s what Psalm 100:2 means when it says “serve the Lord with gladness.” Christian service should be joyful and voluntary. If it’s not, we may be serving for the wrong reasons.
People who’ve escaped Scientology tell how they were forced to labor without pay, treated like slaves by the wealthy and powerful leaders. There are other sects, cults, and rogue branches of so-called Christianity that do the same thing. Understandably, the victims of such spiritual abuse can panic at the word “serving.” It conjures up painful memories and victims can wrongly assume that any mention of the word is evidence that all forms of religion are abusive. But that’s far from the truth. Obedience is our joyful response to God’s salvation, and so is the desire to serve Him. It’s from love, not compulsion.
Challenge: How do you use your Christian freedom?
Prayer: Lord, am I using the freedom I have in Christ to serve you and others? Or am I squandering it on selfish goals? Help me develop my gifts so that they’re useful in your kingdom. May I serve you with everything I am. In Jesus’ name, amen.
