It has been said, “The worst thing you can think about when you’re working is yourself.” (Agnes Martin)
We would do well to think about that in relation to ourselves. When the focus rests mainly on self when engaged in work, the thoughts may tend to be about the personal credit desired to be received. The focus could also be fixated on personal promotion rather than the camaraderie of team effort. Perhaps one might even begin to consider their own part as more significant than what others are contributing. As such things can occur in the workplace, it can also happen within the church.
Perhaps a better way to focus as we engage in the work and service associated with the church, is to consider how our efforts will blend with and complement the efforts of others. This is where Paul directed the focus for Christians both at Corinth and Rome. As he noted the spiritual gifts among those at Corinth, it was not to be about promoting self-significance, but “for the common good.” (1 Corinthians 12:7) Paul brought the focus together by using the concept of the body of Christ (the church) working together like the physical body and its various parts; each serving their significant function as significant to the whole. (Romans 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 12:12-27)
As Paul addressed the divisiveness creating jealousy and strife (1 Corinthians 3:3-4) within the church at Corinth, he wrote. . .
“(5) What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. (6) I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. (7) So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. (8) He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor. (9) For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building.” (1 Corinthians 3:5-9 ESV)
As God’s fellow workers laboring to His glory with one another, are we maintaining that perspective? Are we also duly acknowledging the greater significance God brings to our efforts? Paul made it clear there is really no room for personal boasting as it is God Who brings together the fruitful results!
And in writing to Christians at Ephesus, Paul urged. . .
“(15) Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, (16) from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.” (Ephesians 4:15-16 ESV)
Being a part working properly includes a proper focus on others. Though it may appear uncommon in the world for efforts to truly rest on “the common good”, may it be our focus as we duly value one another in the varying roles in which we may serve to the glory of God and the good of one another!
Have a great day SURRENDERED TO GOD’S USE FOR GODLY GOOD!
Carl
