SPIRITUAL TEAMWORK

I Corinthians 12

In 1st Corinthians 12, Paul tells us that we are all part of one body in
Christ. No matter where we came from or what we did before we
became Christians we are now one in the body of Christ. This is true in
two ways -- First in totality of all Christians being bound together; then
in our individual church communities being bound together.

As we come together and begin to work with people from different
backgrounds, we see that we are not all created the same. Some of us
are hard chargers and always out in front of the crowd saying follow
me. Some are quiet and reserved and willing to work as long as we are
not seen. But the dynamics don't stop there. Those who lead are good
at many different things and those who work behind the scenes are
good at equally as many things. It is from this fact that we get people
that feel left out or those of us who lead believing that everyone should
be able to do exactly what we do.

SO HOW DO WE OVERCOME THESE CONFLICTS OF GIFTS AND TALENTS?
First, we need to realize that we don't all have the same gifts.
Paul tells us in 1st Corinthians 12:1-11 that we all have different gifts
and they will be used in many different ways. If you are an athlete you
should not assume everyone else is. If you can sing you should not
think everyone needs to be in the choir. When we realize that everyone
is given different talents and gifts we will begin to work together better.

Second, we have to understand that we are all created different.
God has not made each of us the same. In verses 12-13 Paul tells us
that we have all come from different backgrounds and nationalities.

This means we will all have different value systems. Newer Christians
should be treated with greater respect because they do not know many
times what they are saying or doing is not acceptable to the group.
Coach them in a setting away from the group not on the spot.

Finally, don't complain and give up. In verses 14 - 26 Paul tells of
those who are complaining and giving up on the project. First we see
those that are not getting enough attention and decide they want to
quit. We are all in this together and not everyone will get the same
amount of praise. Second we see people who are ridiculing others. This
is not what we need in Christian settings. When you or someone on
your team decides he or she is more important remind that person that
we should rejoice with those who are honored and suffer with those in
need. The body must stick together to accomplish God's task.

Verse 27 to the end lets us know that there is a hierarchy in the church
and the leaders are to be respected. When a leader falls they should
not lead, but until that time it is not the Christians part to complain only
work for the Glory of God.