TEAMMATES

“Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” (Gen. 2:24)

“Leaving” one’s parents and “cleaving” to your mate signifies a new order. This new arrangement marks a distinct partnership. When two unique individuals come together and begin to pull in a singular direction, it necessitates teamwork. This requires coordination and cooperation. A man and his wife comprise a team.

In sports, successful teams have team members who work together. The players are interdependent. They are not in competition with one another. To win the game, each party must function to the best of his ability in their assigned role. Teamwork is essential for victory.

You should view your marriage as a team. Your wife is your “partner.” When the LORD looked at Adam He said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him” (Gen. 2:18). Eve was a “completer.” She was taken from Adam’s side to be “by his side.” Eve was not created to stand “behind” Adam, or “in front” of him, but “beside” him. Her function was distinct, but not inferior. By God’s design, women are different from men. Your wife is not an object, or a possession. She is a person with the need for respect and honor. Value her partnership.

Adam and Eve were the “first couple.” Abraham and Sarah were a “close couple.” Ahab and Jezebel were a “notorious couple.” Nabel and Abigail were a “mixed couple.” And Aquila and Priscilla were a “ministry couple.” These two were a dynamic duo! They were tenderhearted teachers and treasured teammates to one another as well as Paul. In the early church, we see their devotion to Scripture, the Savior, and to service. Aquilla and Priscilla were Jews by birth, Christians by profession, and tentmakers by trade. They were not tentmakers who happened to be Christians. They were Christians who happened to be tentmakers. Tent making was how they made their living, but tent making was not their reason for living! They lived to serve. What a pair! Spurgeon said the Devil tries to make us into “bread-winners” instead of “soul-winners.”

Keys to Developing a Winning Team

Communicate. Acts 18:2 speaks of “A certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla.” The six references to this couple always mentions them together, so obviously they were very close. They shared a common purpose and mission. They not only lived together, they labored together. Aristotle said, “A friend is a single soul in two bodies.” A friend is someone you can dare to be yourself around.
Coordinate. Aquilla and Priscilla were a ministry team. They labored together for the gospel. Both of them had a significant role in instructing Apollos in the deeper things concerning the Holy Spirit.
The home is the perfect environment to train your family to serve the Lord. Use your home as a “ministry center.” Mobilize your children in ministry activities. Be positive and excited about “opportunities” to minister to others.
Assess the abilities of your wife and family members. Plug them into positions where they can excel. Set them up for success by assigning them where they will thrive.
Cooperate. Serving God “together” makes a lasting impression on your family. Families who serve God together tend to turn out better.
- You don’t need to spend time with your children as much as your children need to spend time with you!
- Get your children involved in what you are doing! Involve them in ministry. If you work in children’s ministry, let them serve with you. When you go on a visit, take them with you.
- Be creative. Brainstorm about ways your children can become involved in service. Give them an assignment and let them participate.
- Build a ministry team by cooperating together.
Cultivate. God has placed unique abilities within your wife. Your calling is to discern and assist her in developing these gifts. Encourage her within the areas of God-given ability. Perhaps she could develop her speaking skills and minister to women. She may be gifted in mercy, organization, encouragement, giving, or serving. Servanthood is just getting excited about helping someone else succeed.