Teamwork

How do we succeed in life?  Is it by competing or by helping each other do better?

If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, competing against one another, envying one another. My friends, if anyone is detected in a transgression, you who have received the Spirit should restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness. Take care that you yourselves are not tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. For if those who are nothing think they are something, they deceive themselves. All must test their own work; then that work, rather than their neighbor’s work, will become a cause for pride. For all must carry their own loads. - Galatians 5:25-6:5

I remember the first time in school that we were told we needed to work in teams in Chemistry lab.  We had to work together on the experiment and do a team write-up, which would be graded and both would get the same grade, regardless of whether the work was shared equally or not.

Jesus was all about teamwork.  He taught his disciples to share the burdens and help one another, to act out of love for one another, rather than compete.

Imagine if we all worked together in a business and everyone, regardless of position or amount of responsibility got paid the same equal share.  Would we think that fair?

Probably not.  We like to get credit for our part, and if we don't succeed as a team, we tend to blame the others for not doing their part.

Jesus was fighting an uphill battle with us, wanting us to care more for one another than we do for ourselves, but somehow, that sentiment has survived all these generations.

There are still examples of that type of love for one another today.

In today's reading, Paul tells the Church in Galatia that all must carry their own loads.  He wants them and us to know that even when we are all part of the same team, God knows if we fail to pull our own weight.

We can fool ourselves and one another, but we aren't fooling God.

In the end, who wants to be embarrassed before God?

More to come...