Teamwork

Philippians 4:2-9

The old ox yoke consisted of a wooden beam which laid across the necks of both oxen, with a loop of bent wood, the oxbow which encircled the neck to connect the oxen to the yoke. A chain, or the tongue of the cart or wagon was attached to a ring in the center of the yoke.

The design forced the oxen to maintain the same distance apart, but if one walked faster or slower, the yoke would be pulled diagonally, putting pressure on the sides of their necks. Any effort to go their own way or do less than their share produced conflict and increased the load on both oxen. The same is true for all team endeavors.

We find the same concept of working together in unison in this passage. It is critical that each one has the same goal in mind and works to share the load. Conflicts and disagreements hamper the work, and imply a lack of allowing the holy spirit to lead.

“I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.” (Philippians 4:2-3)

God’s plan is not for us to agree to disagree, but to have the same mind. As Ephesians 4:13 describes it, “Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:”

Recognizing that we are part of a team, and quitting playing as for our own glory will greatly improve our outcome. Ball teams who play as teams win even when they have less talent than others who play as individuals. God made us as part of a team, and serving God is a team effort, not individual competition. Help each other out.

In order to be an effective member of a basketball team, the individual needs to eat properly, get enough rest, and avoid drugs. It is also his responsibility to practice with the team, and work on weak areas by himself. Because attitude is such an important part of a team effort, it especially needs to be addressed. This is true in the church as well. Following are some things we need to do.

Philippians 4:4, “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.” Joy is a part of the fruit of the spirit. I asked a lady why she never smiled. “I don’t feel like it,” she said. Apparently the Holy Spirit wasn’t producing fruit in her life. Why should others join the church if non Christians are happier? Complaining hurts teamwork.

Philippians 4:5 “Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.” Temperance, or self control is another part of the fruit of the Spirit. When people know they can trust you not to over react, it is easier to commit their best efforts, because they know what to expect from you, Lack of self control destroys trust, whether of anger, greed, jealousy, or anything else.

Philippians 4:6-7 “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Distracted players are miss opportunities and don’t give their best. By turning our concerns over to God, thanking him for them, and trusting him to take care of them, we can experience his peace. The idea is reiterated in I Thessalonians 5:17-18. “Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

Mark 11:24 stresses the need for faith in our prayer. “Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” We are not to pray the same prayer or for the same things repeatedly according to Matthew 6:7. “But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.” If we really believe God, we’ll realize we don’t need to nag him about things, as Luke 18:1-8 teaches. He is not like the unjust judge.

Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Our thoughts govern our attitude, and thus our actions. We can choose what we think about. Focusing on what is good and wholesome produces a positive attitude, while dwelling on the bad leads to depression, and defeat. The thoughts give a picture of what is in the heart. “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man” (Matthew 15:19-20) The word of judges the thoughts, not just the actions according to Hebrews 4:12. We need to get them under control.

Philippians 4:9 “Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.” To be effective as part of the team, we need to apply what we have learned. It will help our confidence as well aas those around us. If we fail to apply what we have learned, we just fool ourselves, and reap no benefit from what we have learned. James 1:22 warns, “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”