The common goal

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves." Philippians 2:3 BSB

"What were you doing this morning?" the text from my boss said early yesterday. "We could use some help at the clinic." "I'm recording in about 15 minutes at the radio station," came my reply. Knowing I could easily reschedule though, I placed the call to the station and then quickly texted her back that I was on my way to the COVID vaccination clinic our local health department where I work was holding that day. "What can I do?" I asked when I pulled up. "Put me where you need me." And to my delight, I was directed to the intake table where I would be able to get in some serious steps while doing what I loved to do... helping people. "I'm so blessed to be a part of this team," I thought to myself as I smiled and watched the way our "team" worked together. "We are a great team because every individual does whatever's necessary to achieve the common goal, laying aside what their title or job description says is their actual job." 

And you know, this is exactly how we as a church must operate if we are to achieve the common goal of knowing Christ and making his great Name known. We must, as Paul wrote, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than" ourselves. And why is this so important? Because "selfish ambition" will ruin a church but humility will build it up. You see, when a person puts their own interests above those of the team (a self-above-others approach), the whole team suffers. But when each person puts the team first and considers how they can best serve the individuals (others-above-self approach) within it, the team works together and most effectively to achieve the common goal.

So no matter where God has placed you in your vocation today or what your job title might be, remember that you are ultimately working for the Lord and not for man. Surrender your will for His and put the needs of others before your own. Doing so will not only ensure that you're the best "team" member you can be but that Christ is glorified in your pursuit. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that members of a team must lay aside their own interests to achieve the common goal. Help us to do that very thing as individuals in your church Lord that we might be the most effective we can be in reaching the lost and making disciples. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Make us one - Jesus Culture