LCG: Are you an effective team player or do you promote yourself while criticizing us?

 

Well, the Friday Night SmackDown is back after a relatively benign few weeks of platitudes after the Feast. Looking at what is posted below sounds perfectly logical on the surface, but when you take into consideration this is a Church of God saying this, and given the track record of the LCG/GCG over the last couple of decades, this is just one more thing that LCG members are doing wrong. They are NOT team players, nor do they respect others and treat them gently. Remember this is a COG saying this which causes one to stop and think about when the church did not criticize members, treated them gently and respectfully, AND was willing to listen to members. Really listen.

Are You a Team Player? Members of successful teams (families, churches, etc.) develop skills to function together to accomplish goals. As Christians, we must develop the same qualities. We need to be focused on the same goal—the Kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33) and doing the Work of God (Mark 16:15). Effective team players avoid offending others (Matthew 18:7), they forgive and overlook slights and insults (Proverbs 17:9), and do not accuse or criticize other members of the team (Matthew 7:1–5). Effective team players are peacemakers (Matthew 5:9); they treat others gently, respectfully, and patiently; and are willing to listen (James 3:17; 4:11). They do not promote themselves at the expense of others (Matthew 20:20–24), and they appreciate that team members have different talents (1 Corinthians 12:4–12). In short, good team players have learned to love their neighbors. Let’s strive to develop these vital qualities.

Have a profitable Sabbath, Douglas S. Winnail

LCG: If You Are A Proper Team Player You Will "...deal with people gently, respectfully, and patiently, and are willing to listen..." Just Like We, The Leadership, Do With You

It looks like LCG members are not all "team players", especially when they criticize and say negative things about LCG leaders. 

LCG members need to remember that the ministry can treat you like crap but don't you dare criticize them! 

A good team player will forgive LCG ministers when they say or do something that hurts you. 

After all, if the ministry says something it is as if God is speaking.

Good team players will always promote harmony like the ministry does, especially when they deal gently, respectfully, and patiently with people. 

LCG leaders and ministers have always done this, right?

Skills that Promote Teamwork: Members of successful teams (families, congregations, business groups, and athletic teams) develop the necessary skills to work together smoothly to accomplish goals. These skills can be identified and learned. As Christians, we must develop the same skills—and many are clearly biblical. Effective team players avoid saying or doing things that offend others (Matthew 18:7; 1 Corinthians 10:32). Team players learn to forgive and overlook slights or hurtful comments because they have learned the value of not being easily offended (Proverbs 10:12). Effective team players do not sit in judgment of others—accusing, criticizing, spreading their discontent, or saying or assuming negative things about others on the team. Instead, they make sure their own lives are in order (Matthew 7:1–5; James 4:11). Team players are peacemakers (Matthew 5:9) who can promote harmony and work smoothly with others (James 3:17–18). They deal with people gently, respectfully, and patiently, and are willing to listen  ithout trying to justify their own position (James 1:19). Effective team players appreciate that a team is made up of individuals with different talents and abilities who can make unique contributions to the team (1 Corinthians 12:12). They know the main priority is to work together smoothly to achieve a goal while showing love to one another (Ephesians 4:16). In summary, good team players have learned how to love their neighbors. Let’s all strive to develop these important skills so we can do God’s Work effectively! 

 

Have a profitable Sabbath,
Douglas S. Winnail
Editor