Becoming God’s Ideal Team Player

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Bible Reading:

Ephesians 5

Devotional Thoughts:

I have preparing to teach a module on how to be the ideal team player. In preparation I am re-reading the book, “The Ideal Team Player” by Patrick Lencioni. While it’s a secular book, and the main characteristic they try to avoid is a bit brash, the principles are really good. They boil down the ideal team player to 3 basic characteristics.

  1. Hungry – someone who is hungry for the vision and goals of the organization. Someone who goes the extra mile, and doesn’t see the work as just a job.
  2. Humble – Doesn’t puff himself up, but also quick to encourage and support his team. Quick to admit mistakes, and also quick to celebrate the successes of his team mates.
  3. Smart – Smart with people. Able to resolve conflict. Aware of how his words and actions are affecting his team mates.

As I read Ephesians chapter 5 this morning, these 3 characteristics were rolling around in my head. How can we take these and apply them in our context as missionaries, or broader, as members of the body of Christ.

Hungry:

  • Eph 5:1 Imitate God in everything you do. What are we “hungry for?” Are we hungry for the image of Christ to be seen, heard and loved through what people witness of our lives?
  • Eph 5:14 Awake o sleeper, rise up, and Christ will give you light. The light makes everything visible
  • Eph 5:18 just like wine controls a man when he is consumed by it, “be filled” or consumed with the Holy Spirit.

Smart:

  • Eph 5:2 Live a life of love following Christ’s example. He loved us and gave his life as a sacrifice for us.
  • Eph 5:22-6:9 As we imitate God in everything, and we follow Christ’s example and are consumed with the Holy Spirit, it will flow into our relationships with others. Husband / Wife, Parent/Child, Master/slave

Humble:

  • Eph 5:2 He gave his life as a sacrifice for us.
  • Eph 5:19 give thanks to God for everything

Prayer Points:

  1. That you would be hungry today: Imitate God in everything you do. Be hungry for Christ to dwell in your heart (Eph 3:17) and for God to bring you to “mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” (Eph 4:13)
  2. That you would be Smart: Follow the example of Christ. Live a life of love. That as you are smart with people, and show kindness and love, that they will see God’s love through you. (1John 4:12)
  3. That you would be humble: (Eph 5:18) The only way we can and will be humble is if/when we abandon ourselves and become consumed with the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to control our lives.