There is an oft told, wonderful story of missionaries to the Philippines who learned a great life lesson whilst playing croquet. One day they set up a game in their front yard. This caught the attention of some of the Agta Negrito neighbours they were serving, who then asked to join in the fun. After covering the basics, a proper game was begun. It wasn’t long before the chance came for one of the newbies to gain a personal advantage by knocking another player’s ball into next week. The missionary interjected to explain to his Negrito friend the procedure. The advice baffled the man, so he asked innocently: “why would I want to knock my friend’s ball off the course?”
“To win the game!” was the obvious reply.
The man remained bewildered. He was part of a hunter-gatherer community that survived by working together, each member contributing and working alongside others for the common good of all. He and his Negrito friends ignored the missionary’s advice and the game continued. As one finished he would fall back and support others still working their balls through the course. When the last player was finishing up he had the support of all the others, and as his ball went through the final wicket a loud joyous cry went up in unison: “We won! We won!”
Believe it or not I am not unfamiliar with a competitive nature, and thus am more than a little challenged by this story. It is certainly true that competitive drive, say in business, often leads to advancement of immensely helpful products and services. However, what if the motive behind it all was to better serve one another, rather than to say at the end of the day, “I won!”? Mutual support and teamwork ought to mark Christian fellowship. It is reflected throughout Paul’s teaching to the early church when he speaks of the members of the body of Christ, though being many are of one body (see Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, and Ephesians 3 for example). The phrase in Romans 12:5 captures the nuanced Christian understanding of the individual before God, who also stands in community: “individually members one of another.”
This Sunday Allan Vincent will continue his series Building a Life of Faith by focusing on Nehemiah chapters 3 and 4. As you read these chapters in preparing for Sunday consider the extraordinary organization, co-operation, and action. Observe the enthusiasm. Think of the groups of co-labourers working in section upon section of wall: family units, towns, crafts and trades. The co-operative effort is so widespread the one note of dissent found in verse 5 sticks out like a sore thumb.
What would we accomplish as a church if we committed ourselves to teamwork? We have such great opportunity before us as a church. Rather than sticking out like a sore thumb, join the crowd and find your place of committed, loving, service in and for the kingdom!
Much love,
Pastor Gary