Learning To Find Things in Common

In review of 1 Corinthians 1:10 this morning, I'm reminded that,  “You must get along with each other. You must learn to be considerate of one another, cultivating a life in common” (The Message).

Like a frustrated coach watching his team bicker on the court, Paul called for a time-out. He saw the danger of divisions and arguments. The Corinthian believers' lack of unity was obvious. They may have been playing in the same "uniform" but they were doing as much as the opposition to bring about their own defeat. The problems weren't so much differences of opinion as divided allegiances. They were arguing over which position on the team was most important in a way that made them ineffective as a unit. They were on the field, but out of the game. Division works like brick walls and barbed-wire fences to undermine the effectiveness of the message that believers are to proclaim. I am to focus on my coach, Jesus Christ, and the purpose he has for me. Strive for harmony. Keep arguments about allegiances off of the team.

If I don’t work well with others, I’m going to spend much of life unhappy. So what needs to be learned in order to work with others?

First, learn to cooperate with others. The church in Philippi had sent a man named Epaphroditus to Rome with a gift of financial support for Paul while he was in prison. In Philippians 2:25 it says, “I feel that I must send Epaphroditus—my brother, coworker, and fellow soldier—back to you. You sent him as your personal representative to help me in my need” (GWT). By calling Epaphroditus his brother, coworker, and fellow soldier, Paul was describing life and ministry as a family, a fellowship, and a fight. As a believer, I’m in the same fight together against Satan, and we need to support each other. The best place to learn how to cooperate with others is in the church.

Second, learn to be considerate. Paul speaks again of Epaphroditus in Philippians 2:26 when he says, “He has been longing to see all of you and is troubled because you heard that he was sick” (GW). This verse includes two examples of consideration. Paul is considerate of his coworker’s homesickness, and Epaphroditus is considerate of the Philippians’ concern. The more I’m considerate of other people’s needs, doubts, and fears, the happier I’ll be. If I’m inconsiderate, I’m going to have an unhappy marriage or friendship or work environment.

“Cultivating a life in common” takes work. Like a garden that requires cultivation to bear fruit, my efforts will bear the fruit of happiness and strong relationships.

In summary, I need to get along with others. I must learn to be considerate, cultivating a life in common. Division works like brick walls and barbed-wire fences to undermine the effectiveness of the message that I am to proclaim. I am to focus on my coach, Jesus Christ, and the purpose he has for me. I need to strive for harmony and keep arguments off of the team. To work with others, first I need to learn to cooperate. I need to support others. Secondly, I need to learn to be considerate. Considerate of others needs, doubts, and fears. Cultivating a life in common will take work. My efforts will bear the fruit of happiness and strong relationships.

Seems the best way to get along with others is to find things in common and use those to help cultivate cooperation and unity. As I think about my work environment, while we want to build a culture that is open and providing value, I find that trust has been lost. There is way too many needs / demands / pressures and to do things quickly and changing priorities without regard to relationship building. It makes the team apprehensive and able to trust what is being asked. 

This morning Father I thank you for the reminder about unity, consideration and cultivating a life in common. I pray this morning Father for your Spirit to remind me of these things today. I also ask you for wisdom and guidance for my day, my tasks, my decisions and my interactions with others. These things I ask in your Son Jesus Name, Amen.