Unity in ChristSample

Taking one for the team

Like it or not, we don’t really live much of our lives ‘flying solo’. In every area of our earthly walk, we find ourselves journeying as part of a team. Work, church, hobbies, sports, and even our families are essentially teams. We’re all team players.

I have come to the conclusion that the number one enemy of unity within a team is often ego. This arch-nemesis raises its ugly head to attack and undermine unity at its very core. If we can work on our ego, we can work on our unity.

US President Harry S Truman is attributed with the quote, ‘It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.’ So true. This concept reaches deeply into the heart of Christian living. It’s only human nature to desire to be noticed. We want our ideas affirmed, our efforts recognised, and our contributions praised. Yet Christ calls us to a different way.

Above, we read, ‘… in humility value others above yourselves’. Not much room for self-focused ego there! Unity in Christ is not built on personal glory but on shared purpose. It’s about a team of people making decisions based on mission, not on seeking recognition. When we let go of ego and accept that, just maybe, we don’t actually have all the answers, something powerful happens.

Look out for when it might be your turn to ‘take one for the team’. Take a breath, don’t speak, and listen openly, and see what happens. Corny, I know, but it’s that kind of ‘teamwork that makes the dream work’!

Written by ROBBIE PARKIN