Team Effort

This is how God's children — and the Devil's children — are made evident. Whoever does not do what is right is not of God, especially the one who does not love his brother. - 1 John 3:10

If I asked you, "What is the number one reason overseas missionaries leave the field?," what would your answer be? Opposition to the gospel? Disease? Difficult living conditions? While all of these are present for many overseas missionaries, none happen to be the primary reason for early departure. The main reason is, wait for it, other missionaries. It seems that most missionaries leave the field, because they cannot get along with their other missionary colleagues.

Why is this true? Think about it. Missionaries (by nature, calling, and design) are often able to work alone and must be self-sufficient in their ministry. These "strengths" can breed an independent spirit, which is counter to God's kingdom purpose of building the Body of Christ. At least, this seems to be one philosophical reason for the conflicts that may arise, but missionaries aren't the only ones that experience them. Unity and teamwork in any enterprise for Christ are often difficult to maintain.

We must all be sure not to make a "reason" for our disharmony an "excuse" for bad behavior. God's work, wherever it is done, is always a team effort and we should all strive to maintain that unity.

The only thing that makes battle psychologically tolerable is the brotherhood among soldiers. You need each other to get by. - Sebastian Junger