As we look at serving together this week, we're using the acrostic TEAM to offer four keys to serving as a "TEAM."  The letters stand for Trust, Empathy, Accommodation, and Mission.  We'll look at each of these aspects of serving together tomorrow through Friday.  For today, let me ask you a simple question:  With whom do you serve Jesus TOGETHER?  Is it a family member, an accountability partner, a LIFE or mission team, a parachurch organization?  1 Corinthians 3:9a tells us: We work together as partners who belong to God." 1 Cor. 3:9a (NLT) Working together is often more challenging than working by ourselves, even though we know it's what God wants.

I know folks who only want to work by themselves.  They are more effective that way--at least they think so.  The truth is sometimes it IS easier to work by oneself.  Sometimes we do get more accomplished on our own than with others--but rarely.  If the work is God's work, working alone goes contrary to the model Jesus gave us.  Since He's God,  it's probably best to go with His model!  Why did He always send His disciples out at least by twos rather than having them work alone?  The Bible gives us a number of answers including simply that two are better than one, because they work more effectively.  (See Ecclesiastes 4:9)  In my own experience, having someone else along side of me when I'm making a pastoral visit in the hospital, or telling someone the Good News of Jesus, or even shoveling someone's snow, makes me more effective.   Together we can encourage each other, challenge each other to be and do more than we would on our own.

This morning I was doing my P90X workout (an intense exercise/fitness program) with a friend.  The workout was hard.  It was actually harder than if I had done it by myself, because having a friend with me made me push harder.  In this case harder was better, because the long term impact will be better health and fitness.  Take some time right now, to think of where your life could be better if you involved a partner, a friend, a brother or sister in Jesus.  Then in at least one area, invite someone else to partner with you.  Both of you will be better off as you seek to serve Jesus, because life IS better together.

Let's pray:  Heavenly Father, Thank You for creating us for life together.  Thank You for giving us Your Holy Spirit to live in us, so we'll never be alone, and so we have gifts to use with others to advance Your Kingdom.  Fill us with Your Spirit right now that we may live this day boldly and confidently in You.  This we pray in Jesus name.  Amen.