Words for the Vineyard - Interdependence of the Team

Whoa, big word to start off. Lets break it down a bit. 

• Interdependence- the quality or condition of being dependent or mutually reliant on each other.
• team- a number of persons associated together in work or activity: such as a group on one side

This topic can be an uncomfortable one. Everything in our culture and world pushes us to be independent and fully rely on ourselves as quickly as possible. Songs, movies, books and social media posts often reinforce the "do what's right for you" or "to thine ownself be true" mottos. And if we are honest, it can look really appealing sometimes.  Independence is often painted as freedom. Ask any teen closing in on that eighteen year old birthday. :) Freedom from responsibility and avoiding the relational pain and disappointment which often comes when we rely on one another. How many times do we get hurt by someone's lack of meeting our needs (or not meeting them in the way we wanted) and then declare "I'll never ask for help again." "If you want something done right, you've got to do it yourself." The real issue begins when we start to rely on ourselves completely and ultimately exalt ourselves as the god of our lives. This kind of independence can lead to loneliness, depression, anxiety, bitterness, stress and so many more negative health effects. Our physical bodies become sick and weak under this kind of pressure. You were never meant to carry it all alone.

   So if the enemy, our culture and the world says "you can be all you need", what does Jesus' life and words model for us to follow instead? He is the Way, the Truth and the Life after all.  A quick read through Matthew, Mark, Luke or John shows us that Jesus was first and foremost dependent on the Father for His very words, actions and strength. Second, He was interdependent on His team for so many things. He relied on them for travel, companionship, serving the multitudes, picking up His lunch, drawing water from a well, managing His money, preaching His message, healing the sick and casting out demons. He asked for their prayers when He was distressed. He asked for help with His mother when He could no longer be there for her. Jesus was the captain of the team and yet He continually pulled others in to use their gifts and talents to serve Him and the world around them. Their simple choices to do what Jesus asked and what was best for the mission is still having major effects on generations globally every single day. Simple obedience changes history. This is a phrase I've read, heard and sung many times but it is powerful in its simplicity. Our continual choosing of obedience in humility to invite others into the mission of God is shaping us into a whole, thriving, flourishing Body of Christ!

 Jesus Christ came to earth, emptied Himself of His rights to be God as the scriptures say in Philippians 2. He humbled Himself and shared the burdens of life with people around Him even knowing they would disappoint him. Does that blow your mind? Could Jesus have done a better job than all of them? My guess is yes. Especially the guy managing the money. Yikes! But He had a greater vision of the necessity that life and life to the full is actually really better together.  He relied on His Father for everything and then invited others to share the load of the work knowing that many hands make the work light. His love was so powerful it stayed the same in the midst of their shortcomings. Let our love grow to full unity like our precious Jesus of Nazareth.

Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. Ephesians 4:15-16

So today, ask Holy Spirit for His insight into your heart and mind. (Psalm 139)
Read and meditate on Philippians 2 or Ephesians 4
Spend time to rid yourselves of any unforgiveness towards those who may have let you down or didn't meet your expectation. Forgive again. Ask the Lord to bless them and to open your heart to receive help again.
Ask the Lord for the name of someone you can send a message of encouragement or make a phone call to pray with them.
Is there a need you have seen and feel compelled to help? Don't wait anymore. While today is called today be obedient to the voice of Holy Spirit.  (Hebrews 3)
Are you feeling in need of encouragement yourself? Let someone in on the struggle.
There are no lone wolves in the Kingdom family of God. Only brothers and sisters.

Teammates champion each other because the whole team wins together! No matter the position or player, all are necessary for the victory! You matter to Christ and you matter to us. I say "TEAM JESUS ALL THE WAY!! Let's Go, Fam! Cheering you on!"

For His Glory,

Rachel Burnham 

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2