My wife has indicated that I should shop for a hearing aid. It is not that I have a problem hearing people who speak distinctly, in a reasonably quiet environment. But when in a crowd of people (that is a dozen or so) the conflicting sounds get all mixed up before they enter my ear—and it is a real struggle to sort them out intelligibly. Forget hearing aids, I say, because I have watched folks who have them fiddle with them in an effort to sort out a specific person's conversation in a crowded room. In addition, I have a great benefit they don't have—an excuse!
I believe we get into more trouble for the things we say than for the things we do. A story told by John M. Capozzi illustrates this point: "General Westmorland called down to the base motor pool one day and asked what vehicles were on the base and available. The Private who answered the call said: 'Two jeeps, one truck and one sedan for the stupid General.' Not believing what he just heard, the General asked the Private: 'Do you know who you're talking to?' The Private said: 'No.' 'Well, this is General Westmoreland.' The Private thought for a moment—highly aware of his incredible blunder—and asked: 'Well, do you know who you're talking to?' The General responded 'No, I don't.' to which the Private said: 'Well, so long, stupid' and hung up the phone."
Our recent ministerial conference taught me a lesson I should have learned long ago. Working with people who want to work together is very pleasant and economical. Trying to force a working relationship with people who don't want to work with you is debilitating and ineffective. This is why the Psalmist said: (Psalm 133) "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" How wonderful it is to go through an entire day working and speaking to people you truly enjoy, and who enjoy your company.
My wife and I have shared 39 years of life's struggles together, and I cannot remember one day devoid of joy. Why? Because we have exclusively shared our common goal. There has been no "mine" and "yours" in our relationship. Why do I mention this now? Because Satan has been doing a number on too many in God's Church, causing one or another to divert their eyes to SELF, to "me, my, mine." And, when Satan convinces a husband or wife to focus exclusively on "self" rather than on "us" he has instantly negated up to one-half of the team strength, and he may ultimately destroy 100% of its effectiveness. He wins.
The ministry must work as a team. How does the team relationship work? Each Deacon, Deaconess, Host, or Hostess teams with the Elder or Pastor who is responsible for a Video Group or Church. Each Elder teams with the Pastor over the Church. Each Pastor teams with the Regional Pastor over his region. Each Regional Pastor teams with the Director of Church Administration, and the Director of Church Administration teams with the Presiding Evangelist.
The way we maintain a team vision is to hear each other. To become SELF willed and self-motivated is to lose the TEAM vision, resulting in friction or fighting for power and control. A TEAM sees the world through two pair of eyes, but is committed to one Vision.
The vision we share is the vision Jesus Christ gave to the Church almost two thousand years ago. It is the vision He will have when He returns to the earth to establish His Kingdom on earth. His is a vision of PEACE!
Satan has taken peace from the earth by rebellion. He has imparted his spirit/attitude to mankind in the beginning. We have "come out of his world," but we may yet allow his divisive spirit to influence us out of habit, or because we have forgotten our calling. We may determine our own state by the amount of friction and strife we have in our personal relationships. Passover season is a time of self-examination, according to the apostle Paul. We should examine ourselves to determine if we have drunk of Satan's spirit. Strife and contention in our lives is a strong indication that one member of the team has drunk from Satan's cup.
I am very pleased with the reports of unity from the field ministry and from member's letters. We appreciate your commitment and your sacrifice for the Work of God. We have seen wonderful fruit borne from the Work in the past year.
I have asked for reports from the office of Financial Affairs and Media to include in the update next week.
Thank you and have a safe and HAPPY Sabbath, everyone!
CEMcNair