teamwork

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Because we’re family

The Kingdom of God is an upside down Kingdom from beginning to end.

And I struggle as a young person to wrap my head around these upside down commands because nothing about our world is about putting others first.

The worlds says, “Me first!” and the Kingdom says, “Me last!” 

Check out Romans 12:10 in these 3 translations:

NLT: Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.

ERV: Love each other in a way that makes you feel close like brothers and sisters. And give each other more honor than you give yourself.

MSG: Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle.

We are to love everyone like they are our brothers and sisters. This makes sense when you think about it because there are only two types of people in the world: Those who are already our family in Christ and those we want to see become our family in Christ.

My favorite verse is 2 Corinthians 5:16. 

 So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now!

Evangelism is not about us versus them. Outreach is not about being a bully and forcing Jesus down someone’s throat.

I can’t get away from these thoughts…

I am not sharing the gospel to get ahead.

I am not seeking a platform to build “my ministry.”

 Evangelism has absolutely NOTHING to do with my advancement and absolutely EVERYTHING to do with showing someone else the path to redemption. 

The path of humility is all about taking jealousy and the need to get ahead off the table.

We’re on this journey together.

We’re growing together.

We’re serving together.

You’re not more important than me and I’m not more important than you because we’re family. 

 

 

 

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The Blame Game

If a project is your responsibility, wouldn’t the logical conclusion be that if something goes wrong you’re responsible? 

I am a big believer that if the buck stops with you then it’s important to assume complete responsibility for any failures within the project.

Maybe it wasn’t directly your fault, but being a leader requires taking a hit every once in a while. 

This project failed at this point.

I am the leader of this project.

Therefore, I have to step up and say, “This is directly or indirectly my fault.” 

Just say it!

Don’t say, “Well, anything can happen and I did my best and I tried….” 

Be quiet. 

Assume responsibility.

“I assume responsibility for this failure and here is how my team is dealing with it.” 

Playing hot potato with the blame will not move the team forward.

To me, being able to say, “This is my fault” is a good indication that someone is ready to be a leader. 

Leaders don’t only take the credit when things are successful. I call those kind of leaders Glory Hogs.

As a leader, your team is looking at how you handle failure.

If you cannot assume responsibility for mistakes, don’t be surprised when your team hesitates to assume responsibility for their mistakes.

 

 

 

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Soaring into the weekend

Teamwork is awesome. 

It is fun to see people working together, using their gifts and talents to help others. 

Winter Bible Seminar is next week. The world is coming home to Rhema! 

And with the world coming home, we’re going to see the power of family working together. 

I am excited!

There’s been so much prayer surrounding next week, too. 

The hearts of all the students, staff, and church members are anticipating all that God has in store. 

After prayer school this afternoon, I’m ready to soar! 

I know that the people who are coming–nationally and internationally–will receive all that the Lord has for them. 

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Gifted to Serve

Don’t forget who you are–ever!

The comparison trap is a snare that many of us step in. 

It’s so easy to look around at others and think, “There’s just no way for me…”

First off, that’s stinkin’ thinkin’ from the get go. 

Secondly, no one’s asked you or even expects you to be anyone but yourself. 

As Christians, we understand that there’s unity in diversity. 

Think about the list of ministry gifts and manifestation gifts. 

They’re all different! And everyone has a job to do within the body of Christ. 

The goal is the same: share the gospel and make disciples. But the means required to do so demands a diversity of methods. 

I know this topic is a bit elementary in nature. It’s just that I found myself forgetting these fundamental truths today. 

The biggest reason I run far away from the comparison trap is that there’s no room for encouraging others when you’re busy comparing yourself. 

Plus, you waste time and wreck relationships. 

Do you know what I did during my prayer time today?

I thanked God for who He made me to be.

 I thanked Him for opening doors of opportunity to minister to others by using the gifts He’s given me. 

And, no, it isn’t prideful arrogance to pray in this manner. If the goal was to puff yourself up it would be different. 

The goal is to thank Him for using you in His kingdom. 

The goal is to recognize that God made you to be a vessel that serves others.

Understanding your identity in Christ takes away the need to compare yourself to anyone else. 

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No glory hogs allowed 

Taking all the glory for yourself is selfish. 

And no one likes a glory hog…

I was watching Cake Wars today and not one chef thanked the other people who helped him or her throughout the competition.

You can’t go through life alone. 

We all are surrounded by a network of people who help us accomplish great things. 

Maybe you’re a business owner with cutting edge ideas. 

Maybe you’re a manager navigating the employees beneath you and the corporate officials above you. 

Whatever the situation maybe, teamwork is crucial. And too often the people who are helping get no credit for their work. 

Look at what I did!

See how great my work on this project turned out?

Meanwhile, all the other workers are catching their breath from going nonstop to ensure your success. 

Don’t forget to thank  your helpers and encouragers. 

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Must see: Woodlawn

You need to watch Woodlawn. 

Talk about a wonderful movie…I heard a reporter say that Woodlawn is this generation’s Remember the Titans. I agree. 

Not being an avid football fan, I hadn’t heard of Tony Nathan’s story. 

Southerners aren’t proud of the past, for sure, but this movie isn’t about the shame of the past. It’s about the redemption that came when a brave group decided to not stay stuck. 

And the way out? 

Jesus. 

This is not a cop out answer either. Real encounters with Jesus do not leave you the same. 

I need to read up on the Jesus Movement. The movie references it several times.  It happened way before my time, so I don’t know much about this period in church history. 

The movie did a great job of presenting Christians in a non-cliche way. It simply showed the power of Christians walking in obedience. 

I highly encourage you to watch Woodlawn. If you already have, I’d love to hear your thoughts.