His book, published this week, reveals a sad situation of groups within the team pulling in different directions. People will draw their own conclusions about the causes of this disunity, but the team has not performed well in the recent past and relationships have been damaged.
The earliest Christians didn't play cricket, but they did know the need for good team work.
In St. Paul's letter to his friends in Philippi, the first Christian community in Europe, he urges them to grow closer together, and to work at their relationships.'I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding.' (Philippians 1.9)
Knowing that there had been divisions and arguments within the church, Paul tells his friends that he is praying for them. He then sets them the standard by which to live and love. 'Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.
Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.' (Philippians 2.1-5)
Paul knows that teams only work well when everyone is committed to show the love of Jesus towards everyone. That way, working together becomes a joy and not a trial. Leaving our ego at the door, and learning to be humble servants of one another is the recipe for great Team Work.
May Jesus help us today to live like this.
Best wishes,
Richard
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