Henry Ford explained the importance of teamwork when he said, “Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.” I have spent a lot of time with numerous NFL football players and coaches over the years and have heard many of them talk about teamwork. I’ve observed that the most successful teams are the ones whose players understand how to effectively work together in accomplishing their goals. They have an attitude toward teamwork, a mindset that prioritizes the collective success of the team over personal gain.
Teamwork is more than wearing the same uniform and playing on the same team. It’s the ability to work together toward a common goal, understanding that each person plays a significant role. It takes mutual trust, respect, and cooperation.
The Apostle Paul knew that teamwork is essential in ministry and gives us an agricultural illustration: “The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor” (1 Corinthians 3:8 NIV). Paul (the planter) and Apollos (the one watering) had their God-appointed work. As an evangelist, it was essential for Paul to plant the seeds of hope, love, peace, joy, and salvation among those he contacted. He needed the further teaching and encouragement of someone like Apollos to begin “watering” the seeds of knowledge so people would grow in their faith and obedience to Christ Jesus.
In 1 Corinthians 12 Paul reminds us, “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good…. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.” Committed believers who are obedient to God’s leading recognize that we are all part of one team – God’s team. We work together as sowers, waterers, and harvesters to encourage folks to consider the claims of Jesus.
Being a team player requires sacrifice and putting aside selfish ambitions: “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing” (James 3:16). Scripture reminds us that none should look upon their kingdom work with self-pride. God calls us to sacrifice for the good of others. Jesus was the ultimate example of this (Philippians 2:5-8). As fellow believers, Paul instructs us to: “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor, not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer” (Romans 12:10-12).
Being a team player takes humility and love. Jesus is the ultimate example of this: “We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren” (1 John 3:16). When we work together to bring the message of the gospel to the world, our teamwork is a testimony. “By this all people will know that you are My disciples: if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). The body of Christ is many parts working together towards the same mission. To reach our goals we must have the attitude of Christ.
Scripture Reading: Philippians 2:1-5
Personal Application: How’s your attitude? Are you a team player? Remember that whatever you do for the Lord is for God’s glory. It’s His team and His mission. He invites you to be a part of it.
Jim Grassi, D. Min.
We cherish any verse in Scripture that reminds us to keep focused and intentional about evangelism and discipleship. “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:5