DAY 4: BE A TEAM PLAYER
Read Philippians 4:2-3.
Two women who apparently struggled to get along… two people who worked side by side with Paul. The NIV says they “contended at my side for the cause of the gospel.” The Greek word for “contend” comes from a word meaning “to engage in a contest” or “contend for a prize.” How sad it is when the contention is not against a common enemy in Satan, but in a fellow brother or sister in Christ! These were two women who worked toward a common goal in the gospel. They were the on the same team, but acted like they were engaged in a contest against one another.
To Consider
Conflict is more easily resolved when we recognize we are on the same team in Christ. We both (hopefully) want what is best in the sight of God. The next time you enter a conflict, consider that you are working on the same team. Your opponent is not your co-worker; your opponent is out there (Satan) trying to divert attention away from Him and the progress of the gospel.
How have you seen this truth work in a conflict in your life? Is Satan getting the best of a conflict in your life? How can you affirm your teammate that you aren’t trying to work against him or her? (Note: This applies to marriages as well.)
