Why can't we work together? (1 & 2 )

MAY. 4, 2025

Why can't we work together? (1)

"Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence." 3Jn v. 9 NKJV

Reason one: insecurity. The Florentine philosopher Machiavelli said, "The first method for estimating the intelligence of a ruler is to look at the men he has around him." Insecure leaders are threatened by talented individuals, so they surround themselves with weak people. As a result, the work suffers, and everybody involved suffers too. When a leader responds to a genuine question by saying, "How dare you challenge my authority," they're dangerous and often not worth following. Insecure leaders usually fail for two reasons: They want to maintain control over everything, or they're afraid of being replaced by someone more competent.

Either way, leaders who don't encourage teamwork weaken their own potential and discourage those around them. President Woodrow Wilson said, "We should not only use all the brains we have, but all that we can borrow." John the Apostle tells us that Diotrephes, a leader in the church, "loves to have the preeminence." What was this man's problem? He wanted to blow everybody else's light out in order to let his own light shine. 

So, John writes: "When I come, I will report some of the things he is doing and the evil accusations he is making against us. Not only does he refuse to welcome the traveling teachers, he also tells others not to help them. And when they do help, he puts them out of the church. Dear friend, don't let this bad example influence you. Follow only what is good. Remember that those who do good prove that they are God's children, and those who do evil prove that they do not know God" (3Jn vs. 10-11 NLT). 

Let God's approval— which you already have—make you secure!

Why can't we work together? Let God's approval make you secure!

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"Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul." 1Sa 14:7 NIV

Reason two: naivety. An old Chinese proverb says, "Behind every able man there are always other able men." Even if you can do the job yourself, isn't it wise to stop and ask, "Who do I know who could help me to do it better?" That question defines the difference between mediocrity and excellence. Business consultant John Ghegan keeps a sign on his desk that reads, "If I had it to do all over again, I'd get help." We all need that sign! When you have a few victories under your belt, you're at an increased risk of thinking you can do anything and everything by yourself. 

But when your dream is from God, it will always be greater than your individual capacity and gifts, which means you will have to reach for others. Two men, Jonathan, and his armor-bearer, wiped out an entire Philistine garrison. How? "Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer, 'Come, let's go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised men. Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf.

Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few.' 'Do all that you have in mind, his armor-bearer said. 'Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul'" (vv. 6-7 NIV). Jonathan, the leader, needed the encouragement and support of his armor-bearer. And his armor-bearer needed the courage and leadership of Jonathan. Together they accomplished amazing things for God.

The truth is teamwork is at the heart of all impressive triumphs. The question isn't whether teams have value; it's whether you are humble enough to acknowledge that fact and become a better team player.

Why can't we work together?  Become a better team player.

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