Teamwork Makes The Dream Work!
Paul is speaking to the church and trying to help them work better together and to be more effective. In this verse he speaks to them about communication, being organized, utilizing their gifts, and working together. This whole chapter is about coming together and working together. Paul recognizes their gifts, and instructs that these should be used to build up the church.
Scripture:
“What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up.” – 1 Corinthians 14:26
Image courtesy of: Christian Bourdeau Photography
Observation/Application:
Have you ever considered that God is also there among us when we come together with brothers and sisters in Christ? This is true because the same Spirit of God that lives in us also lives in them. We can honor God by supporting and lifting up our brothers and sisters who honor the Holy Spirit which is Christ in them. We can also be more open to hearing what God has for us through the wise counsel of brothers and sisters in Christ. But let us always take what man gives us and confirm it with the Word of God. God will never give us direction that contradicts His Word.
Another way that we can work together is through effective communication. Communication is key. This Word is so applicable to our everyday lives and dealings at home, at work, in the brotherhood of believers, at the church, and everywhere that people are coming together. It is so important for everyone on the same team to be on the same page and aligned. This can be accomplished through effective communication, and through respect for each other’s perspectives.
Being more organized is also helpful because it is easier for people to follow a more organized train of thought by leveraging meeting agendas, processes, and clear rules of engagement. We must respect and honor the rules against things like side conversations as this is lack of respect for the speaker. Not respecting whoever has the floor is in fact is saying that you honor what you have to say more than what someone who has the floor has to say. This is something that is all too common in organizations today and evidence of a lack of both humility and respect for each other’s talents and perspectives. Instead we should be very mindful to draw out each of the thoughts of the people in the room.
As we go forward and do our best to work better together, let us honor each and every person in the room. Let us work to try to get everyone on the same page. Let us be respectful of everyone else’s time by being organized, prepared, and by providing clear communication. And let us be mindful that we all have our own unique gifts and talents to contribute. And as a church, let us do this to honor Jesus Christ, because whether we like it or not, we represent the face of Jesus Christ to non-believers.
#Working-Together-For-God’s-Glory
Prayer:
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for your Word today. This has been something that has been on my mind lately and you always bring to light exactly what I need to hear, the right words, at just the right time. Your Word is amazing. Thank you for your Holy Spirit, and for guiding us in our lives. Thank you for insight and for prophesy. We are so blessed to be full of your wisdom and understanding. Help us to use it for your good, and for your glory, that others will come to know You. We ask that you forgive our sins, both the ones that are seen and the ones that are hidden inside of us that we do not yet recognize. You know what is in our hearts. Help us to seek you first each day. Fill us now with your Holy Spirit and all of you goodness, and cast out any sin that is within us. We want nothing more than to be close to You. We receive forgiveness, your eternal promise, your Holy Spirit, and all of your goodness, in Jesus mighty name. Amen.
Today’s full reading: Judges 6,7; Psalms 52; 1 Corinthians 14
Scripture References From Today’s Reflection:
- “Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.” – (2 Corinthians 5:20)
- “If then I do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and the speaker is a foreigner to me.” – (1 Corinthians 14:11)
- “God is not a God of disorder, but of peace”. – (1 Corinthians 14:33)
- “Everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.” – (1 Corinthians 14:40)
About Author
