Today I will:
For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, Romans 12:4 (ESV)
In the business world of modern, independence-minded America, we hear a lot about the importance of teamwork. Yet at the same time our culture and media honor heroes who stand out. It is not the whole team that gets their picture on the cover of magazines and newspapers, but the MVP athlete, most vocal government official, company president, the best-looking actor of the hit film or popular TV series. While it is the team that really accomplishes something, it is the stars who are recognized. Thus the pressure on the individual is to be the star rather than the team player, and this pressure often works to undermine the efforts of the team to accomplish anything worthwhile.
The star mentality teaches us that we are defined by our achievements. However, the Bible tells us that we would more correctly evaluate ourselves by the quality of our relationships. Do we walk in love toward other members of the team? Do we exemplify the fruit of the Spirit when around them? (See Galatians 5:22.) Do we value them more than promotion and the money it might bring? Do we lord authority over them, or are we servant-leaders as Jesus exemplified?
The truth of the matter is that God has wired us to need each other. Without feedback from and interaction with others, we would never truly grow spiritually. While we might grow in knowledge of God in isolation, we could never grow in the practice of His principles and power. Seek to make relationships your focus today.