God’s Work Needs Teamwork
by ‘Layo Oladejo
Introduction
In a soccer game, there are two teams who are set to compete against each other in which any of the teams wants a win either in a competition, to get a prize (a trophy) or in a friendly match for honour. Thus, each team is expected to have eleven players in which each player has his own role to play; as the forward, as a midfielder, a defender and as the Goal keeper. These work together to pass the ball around, defend the ball from the opponent, and to ensure that the ball gets to the back of the net of their opponent.
Also, there are some people who are not in the field of play, who don’t kick the ball but are not less important to the players in fact they are crucial to the team winning – We have the coach whose responsibility is to supervise training sessions, study the opponent’s style of play so as to develop a strategy that will help his team win the game and concentrate on helping the players regain their fitness and sharpness. We have the fans who jeers and motivate the team. Hence, to win, there is a need for everyone in the team to do their duties from the players to the fans.
This analogy of a soccer game is used, so that we can better understand what team-work is. The text we are looking into shows us that there is no one that is out of place when it comes to working for God, particularly in the local church. The word teamwork simply means unity. An adage says, “Together we stand, divided we fall”. Let us look at why as a Church we need teamwork.
The Need For Teamwork
- Teamwork is needed for some task (vv. 8-10)
The task before Moses and the nation of Israel was the war against the Amalekites. The Amalek grew up from Esau’s household and were the first nation to attack Israel after the exodus from Egypt. So there was a need for Moses and his people to overcome this task by winning the battle and conquering their enemy. In overcoming the task, there is a need for men to carry out and fulfill the task.
We must understand that the Church today has enormous task placed before her – the great commission to be fulfilled, the equipping of the saint, the sanctuary has to be kept clean and beautiful, orderliness in the church, good sound and music, needs of people has to be met etc. No man can solely do all the work. Each person has a particular area of his perfection. Therefore, everybody must have his or her area of concentration. In other words, to have team work, we must identify the task we set to achieve.
- Teamwork requires cooperate attention (vs 11-12)
It looks as though Moses was doing the job alone raising the rod of God but when weariness sets in, there was a need for support (The stone was even needed for Moses to sit on). Aaron and Hur were also there to ensure his hands never came down.
This reflect that through infirmity, the best of men grow remiss in prayer, their hands are weak, the power of unbelief, the temptations of Satan, wants of immediate results etc, because of this, the enemy takes advantage. This is why there is a need for everyone to support, assist and to mediate in order to defeat the enemy and accomplish the task. No one is less important in the body of Christ. An enormous eye or a gigantic hand wouldn’t be a body but a monster, we have one body and many parts, each its proper size and in its proper place. No part is important on its own. (1Cor.12:13-26). This will require having the fruit of the Spirit evident in our lives (Gal. 5:22-23).
- Teamwork produces a desired result (vs 13-16)
The Bible recorded that, Joshua defeated the Amalekites. Joshua and his troops fought the battle but there was a lot going on behind the scene. God showed us from the text the beauty of teamwork. If the church will accomplish their mission and supposed task we need to know that “the strength of a team is each individual member and the strength of each members is the team”.
- Teamwork Promotes Synergy.
No man is an island of progress. The more, the merrier they say. Many hands on a job build great cooperation, understanding and friendship. Repetition is avoided, and common goal is achieved together. People complement one another.
- Teamwork Fosters Flexibility and Responsiveness.
People tend to respond to change. Due to diversity in opinion, the best always come out.
Conclusion
The success of our church depends on our ability to work as a team. By working as a team, we are able to multiply the results of our efforts, it is always better than one person doing everything on their own. We see greater results, learn from one another, draw encouragement from one another and shield other from mistakes.
