What an absolute thrill it must be to slog through life as an LCG member, getting your nose rubbed in the fact that you're the church's crowning achievement in epic failures—like, congratulations, you've out-screwed-up everyone who's ever darkened their doorstep! Those hapless LCG folk can't catch a break, perpetually hauled over the scorching coals for daring to breathe wrong, all while their oh-so-merciful God simmers in eternal rage mode, because nothing says "divine love" like non-stop fury.
And let's not forget, true-blue team players would never stoop to criticizing the sacred church or its infallible ministry—oh no, perish the thought!—or that brain-meltingly tedious sermon from last week that could cure insomnia worldwide!
But gosh, imagine the sheer genius of actually shifting their gaze to Jesus Christ, you know, like they're supposedly meant to? Poof! No more drowning in that glorious swamp of rebellion, petty bickering, and seething envy. Revolutionary stuff, folks—who could've thunk it?
Are You a Team Player? God has called us to be part of a team—with a mission. Effective team players have skills and perspectives that can be identified and learned. Christian team players must be focused on the same goal—the Kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33)—and work together to preach the Gospel to the world (Mark 16:15). They strive to avoid saying or doing things that offend others (1 Corinthians 10:32; Matthew 18:6–7). They are forgiving and able to overlook slights and insults (Proverbs 10:12; 17:9). Team players don’t criticize or sit in judgment of others on the team; instead, they make sure their own lives are in order (Matthew 7:1–5; James 4:11). Effective team players have learned to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9), and they treat others gently and respectfully, willing to listen (James 1:19). They appreciate that the team is made up of individuals with different talents, and they let other team members know that they are appreciated. In short, good team members have learned to love their neighbors. Let’s strive to develop these vital qualities.
Have a profitable Sabbath,
Douglas S. Winnail
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