It Takes Teamwork (I Corinthians 3:8-10)
I Corinthians 3:8-10, Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building. According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. John Wooden was the basketball coach at UCLA for twenty-seven years. He never had a losing season. Wooden's teams won seven consecutive national championships, and UCLA posted an eighty-eight-game winning streak that spanned four seasons. Surprisingly, he never talked to his players about winning. Wooden's formula for success was to emphasize constant improvement and performance. He avoided getting his teams "up," because he knew that would eventually bring a valley. Instead, he was never satisfied with past performances; they could always be improved. Improvement meant rigorous preparation toward new goals. "I believe that failure to prepare is preparing to fail," Wooden told his players. But the coach never prepared his teams to play a particular opponent; he prepared his teams to play anyone, at any time. Wooden preached that success was not outscoring the opponent, it was being able to hold your chin up after the game and know that you have given your best effort. Of course, if you have done your best, the score will usually be to your liking when you are deserving. Wooden was more concerned about his players' character than ability. A person with good character will respond to adversity by learning and overcoming. Wooden believed that good players will be honest, consistent, and work together as a team, and if those players also have ability, they will become true champions. Every day of our lives, whether we realize it or not, we are building up a reputation by which we will be known. The things that we do and the lives that we touch will be remembered for good or ill. Reputations are not quickly made. Instead, they are the slow and gradual accumulation of deeds, words and habits as they are observed by others. There is a spiritual unity between ministers. The work of the one who plants cannot be done without the work of the one who waters. Both are absolutely essential. They are not rivals working against each other. They are planters and waterers, planting and watering lives for God. God calls and uses them as He wills and He places them where He wants. If the church and its believers exalt or oppose one minister against another, they are going against God's purpose for His Gospel and the church. The church is God's building and the church is to bear fruit. Both ministers and believers are workers together with God. All have a part in God's church and the need is for all to cooperate in building together. As a family of God, we are laborer’s together with God. We, the Lord’s children, are on the same team and strive to accomplish His game plan. When we are on His team, we value the team above our own. We value the team’s goals, principles, and values. We are willing to do our part for the good of the team and no sacrifice is too great. As team players we follow instructions and stick with the game plan. As team mates we respond eagerly without hesitation. We trust the leaders commitment and we point others to the leader and encourage them to follow his lead. Prayer: Father in Heaven, I am both humbled and honored that I get to be apart of Your team. Help strengthen me that I may do my part and never hesitate to answer when You call. In Jesus name, Amen. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com
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AuthorDr. Blackman is passionate about helping others grow in the grace of the Lord. His devotions are centered on how to grow closer to the Lord through a personal relationship with Christ. Archives
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