It is often said that there is no “I” in the word team and this is true. However, we cannot discard the fact that a team is comprised of individuals. Typically in corporate America or “cubicle land” as I like to refer to it, they will feed us with a cheesy acronym for team such as this one:
Together Everyone Achieves More. Let me say this: the concept is absolutely true.
While the concept is true, there is another side to this truth. Every individual plays an intricate role within the team. Maturity is key for the overall success of the team. A young Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls during the 1980′s although they were becoming a better team they were nowhere near as good as the likes of the Larry Bird and the Boston Celtics or Magic Johnson and the Los Angeles Lakers or Isaiah Thomas and the Detroit Pistons. You get the point. They were too inexperienced. They were a group of individuals that still had yet to find their strength as a team. They needed a leader and towards the end of the 80′s MJ began to flourish as such.
Once he knew his place and the rest of the team knew their positions this is what happened: in 1991, 1992, and 1993 the Chicago Bulls were the NBA Champions and then Michael Jordan retired. They were still a team in 1994 and 1995; however, did not manage to win a championship during those years. Why did this happen? They no longer had a leader on the court. Michael Jordan then came back out of retirement and they won the NBA Championship in 1996, 1997, and 1998. Trust me, I know Michael Jordan is in an elite status when it comes to basketball and that I might be stretching the topic a little to prove my point. However, if he did not know his role in the team then they would not have been as successful as a whole.
In the body of Christ we all have a function. 1 Corinthians 12:27 says: “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”
While it is true that together everyone achieves more, we must be sure that individually we know our role and are pulling our weight. Are you an asset or a liability to your team?
How do you suggest that individuals contribute to their respective teams, whether it is at work or at church? What can they do to be effective?
Jonathan is the author and founder of ConsiderUp.com. He is a husband, a father, and a pastor. He loves Jesus, his family, writing, and playing golf.
Jonathan is proud to serve alongside his wife Sileni as associate pastors at Bethesda Church in Clermont, Florida. For over 13 years he has been heavily involved in ministry and church leadership preaching a message of grace and restoration.
