Teammate: Member or Merely a Participant?

via TJC

What is the goal of our current employment?

To provide for the family? – right and good.

To do the will of God? – Okay, we’re all technically there because He has allowed us to be.

As a temporary placeholder while finding the “dream” job – got it, we all want that.

The point is you’re there and expected to be a “Teammate” – An individual appointed by God for such a time; to work together with fellow “members of a special thing” to achieve a common goal. 

The work and environment we are in, allow us to set an example, to go out of our way to build relationships, and to advocate for others. 

Myers Briggs said I’m an INFJ (advocate) - a person who has Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, and Judging traits. INFJ’s approach life with deep thoughtfulness and imagination. Their inner vision, personal values, and a quiet, principled version of humanism guide them in all things. “Treat people as if they were what they ought to be, and you help them to become what they are capable of being” – Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe.

I had the privilege to be a lay leader (a member of laity chosen by peers and leadership) onboard my submarine. The joy of that additional duty was an opportunity to serve my shipmates as a person with whom they could share and trust. It was a great honor, privilege, and accomplishment. To listen, earn trust, earn respect, and then speak into each other’s lives with stories aided each other. 

I prayed with them, talked them out of giving up (on many things), and grew to love them. The relationships grew strong. When some would unfortunately go to Captain's Mast Navy non-judicial discipline process), I would advocate for them, privately, presenting the Captain with information to guide his judgment. I had that privilege as a Yeoman. The Captains' decisions would give sailors a cause for doing better going forward. The Captain then opened the opportunity to be more personable with his sailors than he already was.

For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building. 1 Corinthians 3:9 NIV

Daily Battle Order

Ask yourself whether you’re advocating for Christ through advocating for co-workers. Is there an attitude and perspective that needs to change to make that possible? Ask your kids about their teammates?