Two Ways to Practice Collaboration

Happiness isn’t a matter of luck. It’s a matter of learning! To live a happier life, I need to learn how to work well with others. 

This is the skill of collaboration. It’s an important skill not often taught in schools; but when learned, it can exponentially increase a person’s happiness.

What do I need to learn in order to work well with other people?

First, learn to cooperate with others. In the Bible, the church in Philippi sent a man named Epaphroditus to help Paul while he was in prison in Rome. Philippians 2:25 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” (GW).

By calling Epaphroditus his brother, coworker, and fellow soldier, Paul was using three relational metaphors that represent teamwork. Life together is a family, a fellowship, and a fight. Epaphroditus didn’t shut himself off from the world and become a lone ranger. He chose to be a team member in these three ways.

As a believer, I'm in the same fight together against Satan, so I need to cooperate with one other—no matter how different we are. The best place to learn how to do that is in the church.

Second, learn to be considerate. Paul mentioned Epaphroditus again in Philippians 2:26: “He has been longing to see all of you and is troubled because you heard that he was sick” (GW).

Notice how Paul used two examples of consideration: Paul was considerate of his coworker’s homesickness, and Epaphroditus was considerate about the Philippians’ concern.

When I learn to be considerate of other people’s needs, fears, and doubts, I’ll be a happier person. For instance, if I'm considerate of my spouse, I'll a have a happy marriage. But if I'm not thoughtful with my words and actions, I’ll have an unhappy marriage.

The Bible says in The Message paraphrase, “You must get along with each other. You must learn to be considerate of one another, cultivating a life in common” (1 Corinthians 1:10).

Cultivating a life with a common goal of Christlikeness takes work. Like a garden that requires cultivation to bear fruit, I'll see how my effort bears the fruit of happiness and strong relationships.

In Summary:

This text emphasizes that true happiness is not accidental but learned, specifically through the essential skill of collaboration. Drawing from Paul’s relationship with Epaphroditus in Philippians 2 and Paul's exhortation to the Corinthians, the passage highlights two critical components of working well with others: cooperation and consideration. By viewing community as a family, fellowship, and shared spiritual fight, individuals are encouraged to move away from isolation and actively cultivate deep, empathetic relationships. Ultimately, investing effort into understanding others' needs and aligning around shared goals bears the direct fruit of sustainable relational health and personal joy.

Bottom Line:

Relational happiness is a learned skill developed by intentionally choosing cooperation over isolation and consideration over self-interest.

Next Step:

Identify one current professional or personal partnership where I have recently felt friction or a tendency to "lone-ranger" the outcome. Shift my identity from an isolated operator to a collaborative builder by scheduling a brief alignment conversation with that person this week; focus entirely on practicing active consideration by asking about their current challenges, needs, or doubts before pushing my own agenda forward.

To Be Happy, Learn to Collaborate

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

Happiness isn’t a matter of luck; it’s a matter of learning. To live a happier life, I need to learn how to work well with others.

I call this the skill of collaboration. It’s an important skill not often taught in schools, but when learned, it can exponentially increase a person’s happiness.

What do I need to learn in order to work well with other people?

First, learn to cooperate with others. The church in Philippi sent a man named Epaphroditus to help Paul while he was in prison in Rome. Philippians 2:25 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” (GW).

By calling Epaphroditus his brother, coworker, and fellow soldier, Paul was using three relational metaphors that represent teamwork. Life together is a family, a fellowship, and a fight. Epaphroditus was a team member. He didn’t shut himself off from the world and become a lone ranger.

As believers, we are in the same fight together against Satan, so we need to cooperate with one other—no matter how different we all are. The best place to learn how to do that is in the church.

Second, learn to be considerate. Paul mentioned Epaphroditus again in Philippians 2:26: “He has been longing to see all of you and is troubled because you heard that he was sick” (GW).

Notice how Paul used two examples of consideration: Paul was considerate of his coworker’s homesickness, and Epaphroditus was considerate about the Philippians’ concern.

When I learn to be considerate of other people’s needs, fears, and doubts, I’ll be a happier person. For instance, if I am considerate of my spouse, I’ll have a happy marriage. But if I’m not thoughtful with my words and actions, I’ll have an unhappy marriage.

The Bible says, “You must get along with each other. You must learn to be considerate of one another, cultivating a life in common” (1 Corinthians 1:10 The Message).

“Cultivating a life in common” takes work. Like a garden that requires cultivation to bear fruit, I’ll see how my effort bears the fruit of happiness and strong relationships.

In summary, happiness isn’t a matter of luck; it’s a matter of learning. Learning how to work well with others. This is the skill of collaboration. It’s an important skill not often taught in schools, but when learned, it can exponentially increase a person’s happiness. To learn to work well with others: First, learn to cooperate with others. Life together is a family, a fellowship, and a fight. Epaphroditus was a team member. He didn’t shut himself off from the world and become a lone ranger. We are in the same fight together against Satan, so we need to cooperate with one other—no matter how different we all are. The best place to learn how to do that is in the church. Second, learn to be considerate. Paul used two examples of consideration: Paul was considerate of his coworker’s homesickness, and Epaphroditus was considerate about the Philippians’ concern. When I learn to be considerate of other people’s needs, fears, and doubts, I’ll be happier. Scripture tells me to get along with others, I must learn to be considerate of one another, cultivating a life in common”. This takes work. Like a garden that requires cultivation to bear fruit, I’ll see how my effort bears the fruit of happiness and strong relationships. 

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.

Learning to Pause and Pray Before Adding

In review of Proverbs 20:25 it says, “It is a trap to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider one’s vows”

Bottom Line:

Think carefully before making a promise. You may regret it later.

What this means to me:

It’s a trap for me to rashly dedicate myself to a promise or commitment and then regret it later when I really realize and count the true cost.

Today’s verse is a great reminder that I can’t do it all just because I’m asked. Learning to pause and pray before making a decision will help to slow things down so that I can think reasonably.  Today’s verse from Proverbs 20:25 says, “It is a trap to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider one’s vows” (NIV).

This verse encourages me to ponder first before promising. Deliberate before deciding. Muse before I choose. Reflect before I select. Consider my commitments prayerfully and carefully before I decide. Pause and pray before deciding.

I’ve learned by personal experience that I can’t just keep adding things to my schedule without eliminating something else. The mark of good leadership is knowing what to stop and what to cut out. If I’m burning the candle at both ends, I’m not as bright as I think I am. I’ll end up burning out!

When things come my way here are three things I can ask:

. Is it worth it?

. Is it worth my time, energy, effort, reputation, or even money?

. What am I going to give up?

I need to fully consider the cost and be willing to say “no” if it doesn’t fit within my goals and priorities. Any new things that come should be thought through carefully before making a commitment to it.

Relationships Go Better When We Find Things In Common

In review of 1 Corinthians 1:10 it says, “You must get along with each other. You must learn to be considerate of one another, cultivating a life in common.”

Bottom Line:

We must strive to get along with and be considerate of each other avoiding divisions or taking sides. Work to cultivate a life in common.

What this means to me:

I am to strive to always get along, be considerate and live in harmony with others. I am to avoid divisions, especially in the Church. Paul encourages me to work on being of one mind, united in thought and in in purpose.

In today's passage from 1 Corinthians 1, Paul writes about Divisions in the Church. He starts by appealing to each of us, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the the Church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.

Paul spoke this because he had heard of quarrels where some are saying, I'm a follower of Paul, others Apollos, others Peter. or that they only follow Christ. Paul points out that Christ has not been divided into factions, nor has anyone been baptized in the name of one of us. Christ has sent he (Paul) to not baptize but rather preach the Good News, and not with clever speech as to distract away from the Cross of Christ.

Conformity, compromise and working well with others seems to be one skill that isn’t really reflected in our culture or taught in our schools. However, it’s a very important skills to learn especially if we are going to be a happy and joyful person. Quite the opposite, being uncooperative with others, leads to unhappiness.

In order to work with other people I must learn to:

First, learn to cooperate with others. Epaphroditus was a man that the church in Philippi sent to Rome with a gift of financial support for Paul while he was in prison. Philippians 2:25 says, “I feel that I must send Epaphroditus — my brother, co worker, 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, co worker, and fellow soldier, Paul was saying that life and ministry is a family, it’s a fellowship, and it’s a fight.

The church is the family of God. I am a brother with the people I minister to and worship with, and we should treat them as such. It’s also a fellowship, where I work and serve together with a common goal, the Great Commission. In addition, I’m in the same fight as others against Satan, and I need to support and to support others. I need to defend and encourage others. The “best” place to learn how to cooperate with others is in the church.

Secondly, I need to learn to be considerate. Paul is speaking of Epaphroditus again 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.” There are two examples of consideration. Paul is considerate of his co-worker’s homesickness, and Epaphroditus is considerate about the Philippians’ concern. The more considerate I learn to be of other people’s needs, doubts, and fears, the happier I’ll be.

The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 1:10, “You must get along with each other. You must learn to be considerate of one another, cultivating a life in common” (MSG).

By nature I am not a considerate person, because I tend to think of myself first and not the needs of others. “Cultivating a life in common” takes work, and learning to get along and work well with others takes practice. Like a garden that requires cultivation to bear fruit, you’ll see how your effort bears the fruit of happiness and strong relationships.

In summary, I am to strive to always get along, be considerate and live in harmony with those around me. I am to avoid divisions, especially as it relates to my Church family. Paul encourages me to work on being of one mind, united in thought and in in purpose.

Impressions From God Will Guide Me To Be More Like Christ

In review of James 3:17 it says, “The wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”

Bottom Line:

Wisdom from above is pure, peace loving, gentle and willing to yield. It is one full of mercy and illustrate the fruit of good deeds. It will show no favoritism, and will be genuine.

What this means to me:

The wisdom I obtain from above is pure, peace loving, will be gentle at all times and one that is willing to yield to the best interest of others. It is one that will display mercy and the fruit of good deeds. Ultimately it will be one that is genuine and will show no favoritism.

As I wrote about yesterday, If I am to recognize God’s voice and figure out whether I have an impression from him or not, I need to first consider if the idea agrees with the Bible.

Next I need to consider that, “If I follow through on this impression, will it make me more like Christ?”

Philippians 2:5 says, “In your lives you must think and act like Christ Jesus” (NCV). God’s goal is to make me more like Christ, so it makes sense that he would never give me the impression that would lead me in a direction opposite to this.

James 3:17 is packed with a great checklist for helping to see if something is an impression from God when it comes to the character qualities of Jesus Christ: “The wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere” (NIV).

If an idea or impression is impure, then it’s not from God.

Is the impression peace loving? God’s going to give impressions that promote harmony and not conflict.

Is it considerate? When God gives an impression, he is concerned about the impact that impression is going to have on somebody else. He will not give me an impression that will mess up others lives.

Is this impression submissive? This simply means it will be humble, teachable, and not arrogant. If I’ve really heard from God, then I shouldn’t be afraid to test that idea by sharing it with others and getting their input.

Is it full of mercy? What I hear from God will make me full of mercy.

Is it impartial and sincere? An idea from God won’t make me manipulate and control others.

Checking an impression against these seven character qualities of Jesus Christ will help me know if an idea is from God and if it will make me more like Jesus.

Given what I’m learning, I can show God that I want to be more like his Son Jesus, by asking daily in prayer for him to shape my heart and by checking impressions I get against the James 3:17 checklist. Impressions I get should always be characterized by how it will treat and affect others.

Learning To Cultivate a Life in Common

In review of 1 Corinthians 1:10 it says, “You must get along with each other. You must learn to be considerate of one another, cultivating a life in common.”

Bottom Line:

Get along with each other. Learn to be considerate of each other, be of one thought and one purpose.

What this means to me:

I am to get along, agree and be in harmony with my fellow Christians, allowing no division or splits to take place. I am to be considerate and help cultivate a life in common, in which we are all of the same mind, completely united in our thoughts and purposes. Working well with others is not something that is taught very often. However, It is one of the most important skills to learn on the road to being happy. If I don’t work well with other people, I’m going to be unhappy much of my life. What I need to remember about learning to work with others is:. I must learn to cooperate with others. Epaphroditus was a man that the church in Philippi sent to Rome with a gift of financial support for Paul while he was in prison. Philippians 2:25 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, co-worker, and fellow soldier, Paul was saying that life and ministry is a family, it’s a fellowship, and it’s a fight. The church is the family of God. I am brothers and sisters with the people I minister and worship with, and I should treat them as such. It’s also a fellowship, where I work and serve together with a common goal — the Great Commission. I’m also in the same fight with them against Satan, and we need to support and encourage each other. The best place to learn how to cooperate with others is in the church.. Next, I need to learn to be considerate. Paul is speaking of Epaphroditus again 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.” Notice there are two examples of consideration. Paul is considerate of his co-worker’s homesickness, and Epaphroditus is considerate about the Philippians’ concern. This is a key to happiness! The more considerate I learn to be of other people’s needs, doubts, and fears, the happier I’ll be. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 1:10, “You must get along with each other. You must learn to be considerate of one another, cultivating a life in common” (MSG).By nature its not easy being a considerate person. I tend to think of myself first and not the needs of others. “Cultivating a life in common” takes work, and learning to get along and work well with others will take practice. Like a garden that requires cultivation to bear fruit, I’ll see how my effort bears the fruit of happiness and strong relationships.