In today’s society it seems that if things don’t go the way you want them to, then all you have to do is file a grievance, go to the news media, or even sue someone over very minor or trivial things or items.
There was an incident that a high school was sued because certain parents thought their son should be the starting catcher on the baseball team. He was at one time until someone from another state moved in and took his spot. This wasn’t due to politics or anything of that sort but due to the fact the new boy was a better ball player using his bat and in the catching position.
When I was growing up I had coaches that put his best players on the field and then, depending on how the game was going, substituted his bench warmers so that everyone could get some playing time. Doing this allowed some non-starters to become starters because of how they performed on the field instead of how their parents acted.
I was always taught that there was no “I” in team. Yes, some of the players were better than others, but at no time should anyone of them flaunt their ability over the other one. There is nine players on the baseball diamond at one time and they are considered one team not nine individual players. The same is true in church committees, government agencies, and school programs. It is healthy to have debate but in the end each committee, agency, or program should have one conclusion and that everyone should agree on. I have seen, even after a majority vote in committees, churches split over dissention among the people and disagreements among the members. The majority should rule unless there is a bigger need to take issues before the entire church body instead of having a few making decisions. I say this because most committees are handpicked to support the leadership and their decisions. What is good for some is not necessarily good for the whole.
We need to learn that being in tune with one another and seeking peace among the brothers and sisters, and then most results are going to be agreed on. Remember what we are told in Hebrews 12:15; “…looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled…”
Success of any team whether it is business or sports depends on the teamwork of many. The young boy’s parents that sued the school because he was demoted to backup catcher did not win. All of us would do good to remember what Bill Gates, CEO of Microsoft, told seniors at one school during graduation. He said you need to understand that “life is not fair.” You have to earn your way through life and not expect everything to be handed to you. There are going to be times when government officials, church committees, and business teams are not going to agree but most of the time this is going to be personal feelings instead of what is best for the whole.
In all things that we do, whether it is a meeting or working on a project, should include asking the Lord to be over the entire situation and lead all concerned in the way He wants them to go. The Lord doesn’t mind the debate, but I feel that when all is said and done, He wants everyone to get along and accept the outcome.
Prayer: Thank you Lord for opportunities of working with others on projects and in committee meetings. I pray that I will always accept what your will is and that will be the outcome on everything that I say or do. Amen.
Gary Andrews is the author of “Encouraging Words: 30-days in God’s Word.” To obtain a copy, go to his website www.gadevotionals.com.
PRAYER
Thank you, Lord, for opportunities of working with others on projects and in committee meetings. I pray that I will always accept what your will is and that will be the outcome on everything that I say or do. Amen.
Suggested Readings
Sunday – Philippians 2:1-4
Monday – Proverbs 27:17
Tuesday – 1 Cor. 12:20-26
Wednesday – Eccl. 4:9-12 Thursday – Eph. 4:11-16
Friday – Psalm 133:1
Saturday – Romans 12:9-13
