In sports and in business, successful teams win games and achieve prominence. Winning teams are made up of individuals who develop skills that help them function as effective team players. However, it is not only in sports and business that successful people must learn the skills and develop the qualities that lead to effective teamwork. Christians must develop many of these same skills and qualities, in order to be useful instruments in God's hands—both now and in the Kingdom of God. In this article we will examine several qualities that can help each of us become more effective team players. These qualities are useful in marriage, family, on the job and in God's Church—as in the coming Kingdom of God.
The Big Picture
Individuals who function effectively as team players learn to stay focused on the big picture. They understand that they have been chosen to be part of a team that has an important mission to accomplish. Athletes who are outstanding team players focus on winning games and championships; they do not become sidetracked by petty personal issues or disagreements with other team members. Executives who lead successful companies stay focused on becoming the best in their field, not on trivial, peripheral concerns. Jesus told His disciples to "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness" (Matthew 6:33), yet it took them some time to see the big picture (Luke 9:46; 22:24–26).
The Bible reveals that for thousands of years, God has been selecting and training a team of individuals who will serve as kings and priests in His coming Kingdom. The book of Genesis records how God chose and worked with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and their wives. Jesus describes these individuals working together as prominent members of the world government in the coming Kingdom of God (Matthew 8:11). Jesus laid the foundations of His earthly ministry by calling and training a team of twelve disciples (Luke 6:13–16), whom He sent out to preach the gospel and heal the sick (Luke 9:1–6). Jesus told them that if they faithfully followed His instructions, and worked together to accomplish His mission, they would "sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel" in the Kingdom of God (Matthew 19:28). To carry out this mission required—and still requires—coordination and teamwork.
The apostles described specific qualities that Church leaders should develop in order to prepare for positions in the government of God. They should be temperate (acting in moderation), hospitable, gentle (gracious and considerate of others) and not quarrelsome (1 Timothy 3:1–13). These qualities help people become effective team players. Paul indicated that the ability to foster smooth and harmonious family relationships is a vital prerequisite for a Church leader. The family is like a team— it has biblically defined roles that point the way to happy, productive and fulfilling relationships where all the members know—and strive to fulfill—their God-given roles (Ephesians 5:22–33). God designed these roles to help us prepare for our future roles in the Kingdom of God. As we learn to function effectively within our roles in the family, or on our jobs (Ephesians 6:1–6) or in the Church (Ephesians 4:11–16), we will develop skills and qualities to serve effectively as members of the team that God is preparing, which will rule with Jesus Christ in the coming Kingdom of God. Regrettably, many today prefer to act independently and are unwilling or unable to work in harmony with the team that God is preparing. Individuals who make such decisions will experience both immediate and long-term consequences, because they will not learn vital lessons and skills that will help them become effective members of God's final team.
The Bible uses several different analogies to describe the family God is preparing. They are likened to a body (1 Corinthians 12), a spiritual house (1 Peter 2:5), a spiritual temple (Ephesians 2:19–22) and soldiers in an army (2 Timothy 2:3). Paul also draws analogies to athletics (1 Corinthians 9:24–27); Christ's disciples were called to learn to work together as a team to accomplish a mission and to prepare to rule with Him in the Kingdom of God. We, too, need to see how learning to play our role on the team is vital to the success of the team and can prepare us for future roles in God's government. To become effective team players we need to keep our eyes on this big picture, and must remember, "Where there is no vision [when we lose sight of the big picture], the people perish" (Proverbs 29:18, KJV). How clearly do you see this big picture?
The Game Plan
An athletic team develops a game plan in order to win games. A company develops a business plan to guide its future development. The Bible reveals that God also has a "game plan" that He is following. The steps in God's plan of salvation for mankind are pictured in the annual Holy Days (see Leviticus 23). Jesus Christ outlined a "game plan" for the team of disciples He called and trained. Their mission was to preach the gospel of the Kingdom of God (Matthew 10:6–18)—first to the house of Israel and then to the world (Mark 16:15)—to warn the world of dramatic events that would precede the return of Christ (Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21), to feed the flock that God calls (John 21:15–17) and to prepare a people to rule with Christ in His Kingdom (Luke 1:17). God's game plan involves preaching the gospel as a witness—not converting the world at this time (compare Matthew 13:10–16 and 24:14). Jesus foretold that the warning message would be like "the voice of one crying in the wilderness" (Isaiah 40:3)—and that it would be ignored by many— yet the world will come to realize that they have been warned by men whom God has sent (Ezekiel 2:1–8; 3:1–9). When Christ returns, He will set up a world-ruling government that will begin the task of converting all peoples of the earth (Isaiah 2:2–4; 11:9).
This is the "game plan" God has revealed in Scripture. If team members forget this game plan, they can go off the track and become caught up in mistaken efforts, such as trying to "convert the world" today. Individuals who forget that God's game plan involves teaching the world about the laws of God and the meaning of the Holy Days (Isaiah 2:3; Zechariah 14:16–19) can be deceived into believing that God's laws are mere legalism and no longer apply today.
Members of God's team must understand that His game plan involves a New Covenant to "put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts" (Jeremiah 31:31–33) so "they may walk in My statutes and keep My judgments" (Ezekiel 11:14–20). With this understanding, they will know why Jesus admonished His disciples to learn to live "by every word of God" (Luke 4:4)—a necessary step for those who will teach God's laws in the coming Kingdom of God (Isaiah 30:20–21). Effective team players know and follow the game plan. Christians who hope to be on God's final team understand the importance of following God's game plan; they do not waste time trying to devise their own game plan! How clearly do you understand God's game plan?
God Calls the Plays!
In sports, the team captain usually calls the plays a team will execute. In business, the Chief Executive Officer makes strategic decisions that direct the activities of company personnel. In an army, the general and his staff determine the actions of their troops. The Bible clearly reveals that God calls the important plays in history and in our lives—yet we, too, have decisions to make. The Old Testament reveals that God gave instructions directly to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Samuel and the prophets. In the New Testament, God used the Holy Spirit to guide the growth of the early Church (Acts 10; 13:1–3). The apostles asked for God's guidance, and sought to follow it as they labored together to fulfill their mission of taking the gospel to the world (Acts 4:23–33). They trusted God as the "team captain." They had faith that He would guide them in their decisions and would not abandon them (Hebrews 13:5).
The Bible reveals that God calls us (John 6:44, 65), grants us an understanding of His plan (Matthew 13:10–16) and places us in the body as it pleases Him (1 Corinthians 12:12–18). However, we must decide how to act on the understanding we are given, and whether to go through the doors that God opens to us. Scripture also reveals that God uses human instruments to do His work on this earth (Romans 10:14–15), and to make decisions that can often affect our lives in very personal ways. So, it is important to prove carefully—based on Scripture, track records and fruits—where God is working and who God's representatives are, because we must decide whether or not to follow the plays that God's leaders call! Effective team members know who is the captain of the team. They respond readily to directions coming from leaders whom God chooses—and their responsiveness improves the team's performance. Individuals who prefer to call their own plays, act independently and do their own thing undermine the effectiveness of the team! The Bible refers to such individuals as "goats" (Matthew 25:31–34), and explains that God will not use such independent mavericks to do His work today—or to staff His government in His Kingdom. God is preparing a team made up of team members who have learned to follow the plays that He calls. Are you learning this vital lesson?
Adapting and Adjusting
Members of successful teams learn how to adapt and adjust to changing situations. Athletic teams that fail to adjust their game plan in response to an opponent's moves will lose games. Companies that do not anticipate and adjust to changes in the marketplace will lose market share and will go out of business. Christians must also be able to adapt and adjust when circumstances change. John the Baptist displayed these qualities when Jesus Christ began His ministry. Although John was an outstanding servant of God, he realized that his work was finished, and he commented, "He must increase, but I must decrease" (John 3:30). The Apostle Paul also developed this important quality. He wrote, "I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound" (Philippians 4:11–12). Servants of God must be versatile.
In order to be able to adapt and adjust—especially under difficult circumstances—we must develop real faith in God. We must become fully convinced that "all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28). We must remember that God "will also make the way of escape" when we encounter difficult trials (1 Corinthians 10:13). Effective team players learn to be resourceful and alert for different ways to deal with issues and challenges, in order to help the team succeed. In athletics and in business, older players often become highly effective coaches, transmitting lessons they have learned over the years, which helps younger people become more effective team members.
The whole Bible is full of examples and instructions that can help us adapt and adjust to become more profitable servants. The four Gospels, the Apostle Paul's 14 epistles and the book of Proverbs all contain valuable lessons that can help us become more effective team players. When you read these books, ask yourself: How adaptable am I when circumstances change? What adjustments do I need to make? Am I truly confident that God will guide my path?
Working Together Smoothly
Members of successful teams must be able to function together smoothly in order to accomplish their mission. Team members who argue, disagree and compete with each other will disrupt and hinder a team's efforts to succeed. This is true in sports, in business and in marriages, as well as in the family and the Church. This is why the Bible so strongly emphasizes that Christians must learn to work together smoothly. The Scriptures reveal that members of the team that God is assembling must not be divided into factions, but rather should "all speak the same thing" and "be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment" (1 Corinthians 1:10). This does not mean that Christians must become mindless robots, but it does require that we be led by the same spirit. Part of the work of the ministry is to promote the "unity of the faith" and to "knit together" the whole body of believers (Ephesians 4:12–16). These are essential qualities for any successful team.
Effective team members who are able to work well with their teammates know the importance of frequent, pleasant and positive communication (Malachi 3:16). They are respectful and considerate in their dealings with other team members (Philippians 2:3). They do not dwell on the negative; they are optimistic and able to inspire others (Philippians 4:8). They know that pride generates strife between team members (Proverbs 13:10). They understand that personal humility helps to avoid rivalry and jealousy (1 Peter 5:5), and they know how to be peacemakers, pouring oil on troubled waters to reduce friction among teammates (Matthew 5:9). Outstanding team players refuse to criticize, pick at or complain about their fellow team members (Matthew 7:1–2). They learn to overlook offenses (Proverbs 17:9) in order to avoid disruptions on the team. Christian team players are able to forgive and forget offenses; they understand that if they do not forgive others, they will not be on God's final team (Matthew 6:14–15). Christian team members follow Paul's admonition that "as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all" (Romans 12:18). Can you work with other members of your team smoothly and without friction? Are there people you need to forgive, so that your family or your congregation can function more harmoniously?
Growing, Overcoming and Enduring
Effective team players never rest on their laurels. They are constantly seeking to develop and refine their skills in order to contribute to the success of the team. They are keen to identify and eliminate their weaknesses so they can serve the team more effectively, and they never quit! The Bible reveals that these qualities are also important for Christians who hope to be instruments in God's hands now and to rule with Christ in His Kingdom. Jesus emphasized that members of His team should be servant leaders (Matthew 20:25–28). This requires motivation, preparation and the ability to notice needs and look for ways to help fill those needs.
Peter encouraged his audience to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18). This requires personal sacrifice and effort. John stressed that Christians must be "overcomers"—not just people with good intentions (see Revelation 2; 3). People who overcome problems are open to correction that can help them become more productive team members. The Scriptures clearly state that those who are chosen to be on God's final team must "endure to the end" (Matthew 24:13) and finish the race (1 Corinthians 9:24–27; 2 Timothy 4:7). Effective team members do not give in to doubt, discouragement and negative thinking. They do not quit the team; they endure to the end! Are you developing these qualities?
A Team of Ambassadors
Prominent athletes and successful businesspeople often serve as unofficial ambassadors for their countries. The Bible refers to Christians as "ambassadors for Christ" (2 Corinthians 5:20; Ephesians 6:20), and as representatives of a coming kingdom that is not of this world (Philippians 3:20). As Christians, we have been called as individuals to come out from this world and become members of the Church—part of the body of Christ (Colossians 1:18)—which makes us members of a team of ambassadors. So it is not surprising that we find many scriptural references about how God wants His ambassadors to function. God intended that the ancient nation of Israel should represent His way of life to surrounding nations (Deuteronomy 4:1–8). Jesus taught that His disciples should be "lights" to the world (Matthew 5:13–16). Jesus spoke of the importance of dressing in appropriate attire (Matthew 22:11–14; see also Deuteronomy 22:5). Paul addressed the issue of appropriate grooming and appearance (1 Corinthians 11:2–15), and emphasized repeatedly that appropriate Christian conduct reflects on the reputation of His team (1 Timothy 3:15; 1 Peter 1:13–19). Ambassadors for Christ must know God's word and be skilled in the application of biblical principles. They must be able to function as peacemakers in their families, on their job and in the Church (Matthew 5:9). In other words, our example is important if we are to be effective members of the team God is preparing, that will rule with Jesus Christ in the coming Kingdom of God. What kind of an ambassador for Christ are you? Do you speak, dress and deal with people in a manner befitting a representative of the coming government of God?
One of the biggest challenges that Christians face, in our modern do-your-own-thing age, is to function effectively as members of a team that God is using to prepare the way for His coming kingdom. While many professing Christians revel in a spirit of independence, worshiping God in their own way and making doctrinal innovations for themselves, the Scriptures speak of being of one mind, being united in doctrine and working together smoothly as a team to achieve the mission God has outlined for His people and His Church. The prophet Malachi sums up this approach by stating, "Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another… a book of remembrance was written… for those who fear the Lord and who meditate on His name. 'They shall be mine' says the Lord of hosts, 'on the day that I make them My jewels'" (Malachi 3:16–18). The Bible reveals that the ability to function as a team is extremely important to God, and it plays a vital role in His plan. This is why we must strive to become effective team players.