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Devotional

Focus on the Glue

by MANDY POST UNITY Biblical conflict resolution Intercultural relationships Team unity & dynamics
Focus on the Glue
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”
Psalms 133:1

As global workers, we usually find ourselves serving on a team (or multiple teams) at some point in our service. Those teams can include people from our host country, our home country, or another part of the world, each with their own unique culture and background. And those cultures and backgrounds vary even within those different parts of the world. Just think about a Texan and a New Yorker, how they may differ in manner, vulnerability, and methodology all because of the culture surrounding them during their formative years. Then add to that, the differences in personality, values, and goals between people. Maintaining harmony and unity in a team is one of the biggest challenges for global workers and a top reason workers quit. 



And yet, harmony is part of our calling as believers. Paul commands it in Romans 12:16. The NLT puts it like this: “Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!” 



Know it all? Of course, I don’t think I know it all, but I can surely act like I do! During team meetings, I can be quick to think my way is the right way or that my work is more important than someone else’s. When I am challenged by a teammate, my first response can be criticism and anger instead of humility and grace. Pride overshadows harmony and unity. 



Dr. Tony Evans, pastor in Dallas, Texas, defines unity in a video series coinciding with his book, Oneness Embraced. He says, “Unity can be defined as oneness of purpose, not sameness of being….You’re moving towards a common goal…utilizing, embracing, recognizing, and appreciating the differences everyone brings to the table.” 



Rallying behind a common purpose is the glue that holds a team together. We may have different ideals and methods to accomplishing that purpose but embracing those differences will bring harmony which pleases God. After all, isn’t it He who uniquely created and gifted us as individuals and teams in order to accomplish His Kingdom purposes? Then let’s trust Him!  


Closing Prayer
Father, we praise You for putting us on teams to accomplish Your kingdom purposes. Help us work together with humility, grace, patience, and gratitude. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Resources
Video: Oneness Embraced, Part 1 by Tony Evans I was watching this video concerning racial reconciliation and found it helpful for unity in all relationships.
Song: Oh, How Good It Is by Keith & Kristyn Getty The Irish sound of this song warms my heart, and the lyrics remind me that I’m not alone in my work for the Lord.
Question for Reflection

Describe a time when you have felt disunity. What helped you turn that feeling around?

Comments
Mandy Post
December 28, 2021

When our children were young, I often felt burdened by the pressures of balancing work at home with work out there. I was exhausted and overwhelmed, and I would invent stories in my head that my husband was indifferent to my floundering. But the moment he would say, “Remember, I’m on your team,” my burden would lighten. Those words would re-center me. I no longer felt alone but connected and in sync with my husband, unified for the good of our family and work. I would have to fight to remind myself of this, to remember that my husband was not the “bad guy” but on my team.