Teamwork

One of the great joys I experience each week is teaching P.E. classes. I do a great deal of research to come up with fresh innovative games other schools play. Today we played scoop it up. Let me explain the game. Players need a partner and two jump ropes. They each hold the handles in one hand while their partner holds the other handle. They do this with both ropes. Next, we spread a couple dozen of hula hoops on the floor. The object is for the partners to work together to scoop up the hula hoops in between the ropes without touching the hoop with their hands or with their feet. They had to deliver those hoops in the air to their designated cone. 

It requires a lot of skill, patience, and most importantly teamwork. Watching those elementary kids play certain personality traits began to show. Some were not team players. They tried to do it on their own and repeatedly failed. Some refused to listen to the advice of others. Others encouraged their team and gave helpful tips to be successful. Leaders began to exert their influence on their teammates. Some got frustrated and quit. Others were not as coordinated as the others, but they refused to quit. They kept trying until they were successful. Those were the kids who moved me the most. 

I am not sure who coined the phrase, "Teamwork makes the dreamwork." It is true. It works in family, business, church, and sports. It takes multiple people to accomplish certain tasks. God created us with different talents, abilities, and passions. He uniquely designed us to play a role in building His kingdom. All the parts of the team are important. Some might play a more visible role while others' roles are behind the scenes. All are necessary in a church, on a job, on a sports team and even helping out around the family. 

When people do not play their parts, different institutions suffer. Organizations do not function as efficiently. Other people have to pick up the slack. Sooner or later the organization bogs down. This results in a loss of effectiveness as well as inefficiency. We need one another. 

Jesus chose to leave His bride in the hands of 12 disciples. They in turn started churches and appointed elders in those churches. The Holy Spirit gifted people in those churches with supernatural enablings to do the work of ministry. When the church is healthy and each team member is playing their role, it is a beautiful thing to behold. I hope you are playing your part as I do the same where I am planted. 

Admittedly, sometimes working with people is hard. It would be easier to do it by yourself than to recruit and train others. God did not design us to work as Lone Rangers. Even he had Tonto. This means we must develop other workers, other team players, and learn to work together. This pleases God. This is the will of God. This is how dreams get accomplished.