All for one and one for all.
Phil 2:20-21 For I have no one else of a kindred (same) spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare. For they all seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus. (NASU)
Paul could confidently send Timothy to help the leaders of the Philippian Church because Timothy had proved himself to Paul that he could be relied on to teach the Philippians the ways of Paul. He knew that Timothy would not ditch his teaching and teach something different. This is because Timothy had learned how to be a member of Paul’s team. He had the same spirit as Paul.
There must have been numerous times where Timothy disagreed with Paul’s methods but he submitted and served Paul in order to keep team unity. So often today we say we want to be a team member but when the leader asks us to do something we don’t like or it doesn’t fit with our way of doing things, we baulk, sulk, make known our displeasure. This creates undercurrents, tensions and disunity in the team.
There is only one way to keep unity in a team; when the team leader asks us to do something , unless it is sin or against our conscience we must submit and do it. Yes, we can express our point of view but if the leader says they want it done their way, then our response is to obey. Submitting to the leader produces in us a team spirit and when the leader knows we have the same spirit as him/her they will give to us more responsiblity.
Jesus said we must serve in another man’s ministry before He will give us our own ministry.Luke 16:12 And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man’s, who shall give you that which is your own? (KJV) Many have gone from Church to Church looking for somewhere to start their own ministry and have wasted years of their lives simply because they would not submit. May it never be said of us!
Meditation point: Am I willing to be a servant first before becoming a leader.
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