Even a good team has to make sure that they have a good plumbing system. Let me explain. I have been reading a fantastic book called “The Royal Priesthood” It talks about intercessory prayer, our identity in Christ and how to build a solid foundation and work on being free from your past and the burdens and pain that you face. In the book there is a part that talks about the collective church body and how it can be like a plumbing system in a house. There is a tap that brings in fresh water and there is a pipe that takes out dirty water. If the dirty water pipe gets clogged, then you end up with a whole stinky mess, even with fresh water flowing.
So what is the point you ask…. Well it’s just this, that even if a team is constantly producing fresh water and for the most part looks really good, there may just be a little stench in the air. For many of us, I think we could say that conflict, and dealing with issues is hard. We want to avoid having to go through the pain, take the time and energy etc and maybe even look for ways to cover up the mess and carry on. Well unfortunately not dealing with the issues and your own person creates a whole lot of hassles in the end.
Team Luminous is a great team. We love each other, we function well in ministry and we generally have a whole lot of fun. But like any group, with different personalities and such we are going to have moments where we hurt each other and clash in opinions. Now we could just choose to always ignore them and have “grace” for each other and wow that would be great and all but the fact of the matter is, that sometimes you need a little kick in the right direction. And I have a team that is more than willing to kick me. HA!
Love is something God asks us to do. Love speaks with truth and love comes without judgements. Love gives grace and forgiveness, but also does not allow someone to stumble and fall. Love corrects. Love challenges. Love comforts. Love listens. Love endures. This month I learned a lot about what Loving someone really means.
For most of our month our ministry was each other. We were 6 individuals diving into prayer and the word and into each other. We spent more time together just learning how to truly love and be there for each other than anything else this month. Where some might feel this month was not a month of ministry I would completely disagree. Becoming a strong family and learning to love, truly love one another, is something that Paul preaches on more than anything else in his letters. He urges the body to come together and function as one. He speaks about the importance of putting differences, petty issues, and yourself aside for the sake of the Gospel and for the sake of bringing Glory to God. In a world where denominations and differences in doctrines are still keeping the body from being a collective whole it is a blessing to work with 5 people from different walks of life, different church experiences, different life experiences, and decide that Kingdom comes before self. Sure we will continue to learn and grow and we will make a few mistakes, need a whole lot of grace, but we are dedicated and committed to team.
Above I mentioned all the things that love is and does. The most important thing I learned about love is this. 1 Cor 13:8 – Love never fails. And so I will love; because that dear brothers and sisters is what we are called to do. ‘
