God desires the Body of Christ to function interdependently, like a team, with everybody doing their part (Eph. 4:16). One of the biggest deterrents to functioning as a team may be the perspective we have of one another’s roles. We may perceive some people as too controlling while others don’t take enough initiative. Our perspective of some members may be that they’re too outspoken while others don’t speak up enough. Consequently, we perceive that some aren’t doing their part while others are taking on a bigger role than they should.
Correct Perceptions with the Wrong Solution
While our perceptions might be accurate they can lead to problems if it causes us to be at war with others. Even if we hold back from verbal attacks, stifling our irritation from outwardly manifesting, we may still react in ways that hinder more than help. Perhaps we’ll get so intimidated by the forcefulness of some that we retreat into ourselves, thus failing to do our part as we could. Or, maybe we’ll get so frustrated with the quiet ones that we take on their part just to get it done.
When someone doesn’t do their part, we need to remember God’s commands to encourage one another (1 Thess. 4:18; 5:11) and spur one another on (Heb. 10:24) to do their part. We need to follow Paul’s instructions to “warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone” (1 Tim. 5:14). Notice the last phrase of that verse — “be patient with everyone”. Elsewhere we’re commanded to be gentle and watch our own actions and reactions (Gal. 6:1). We’re to “not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful” (2 Tim. 2:24).
To Truly Function as a Team Takes the Right Perspective with God’s Solution
Usually we know how God wants us to react toward one another but it goes against our human nature, especially when we feel personally threatened or ignored. Our perceptions may be right but the wrong reaction can open the door for Satan to wreak havoc and division (2 Cor. 2:10-11). To rise above our natural tendencies, we need God’s overcoming power.
- Be aware of who is the real enemy to functioning God’s way as a team and don’t become a part of Satan’s dysfunctional plan and schemes. (Eph. 6:11-12; 2 Cor. 2:10-11)
- Find strength in the Lord rather than depend on your own will power to rise above. (Eph. 6:10-11; 2 Cor. 10:4)
- Take thoughts captive (2 Cor. 10:5) and replace them with God’s desires so you apply His solution to members who aren’t functioning as they should.
For More on These Topics:
All Posts about Team Building:
- Essential Team Building Components
- Team Building by Aligning with God’s Purposes
- Team Building by Functioning Interdependently
- Team Building by Exercising Christ-like Character
- Team Building Leads to being on Mission Together
- Team Building Pulling on God’s Power
- Power to Function as a Team Because of the Gospel
- The Difference God’s Power Makes in Functioning as a Team
- Power to Function as a Team Because of Grace
- Power to Function as a Team Because of the Holy Spirit
- Power to Function as a Team When Praying Together
- Power to Function as a Team Because of Spiritual Gifts
- Perspective to Function as a Team
- A Reliable Means of Equipping Us for Teamwork
- Biblical Principles for Functioning as a Team
- Be an Example of a Team Player
- Rise Above Dysfunctional Team Issues
- Power in His Name to Function as a Team