Having An Attitude Of Cooperation

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves.

 

Philippians 2:3

 

 

 

We tend to be "loners" with the "I can do it myself" attitude when it comes to our occupation or other work that involves teamwork. When we work alone, it is tempting to claim the credit for what is accomplished. Some businesses expend energy and resources for global advancement only in settings where they can control what is accomplished and take the credit for the accomplishment.

 

It is easy to rally people to give of their skill and know-how when we have a vision to build something and then boast that "we did this." It is harder to get people involved in a project that is so large that no one can take credit for what is accomplished.

 

But a global strategy requires Kingdom thinking and Kingdom cooperation which ultimately allows God's will to be accomplish and then the credit is given to where it is due—God. We sometimes forget that the work we are here doing is first and foremost for God and that He is the one that we are to be working for in order to further the Kingdom as He equips us and leads us.

 

No single passage describes the attitude necessary for cooperative business or ministry better than Philippians 2:1-11. Paul begins with several rhetorical questions whose answer is "yes." But let's look closely to verses 1-4:

 

Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others (Philippians 2:1-4).

 

 

What should be the attitude of our heart and mind?

 

One would conclude that the words found in Philippians 2:1-4 should be the attitude of our heart and mind as we work together in the furtherance of God's Kingdom in a business or ministry setting.

 

What if we really took this passage seriously?

 

What would change about how we do business or ministry?

 

Would the spirit of business or ministry meetings change?

 

Do we see more rivalry than we see cooperation?

 

Is there one vision and goal or a combination of visions and goals that can come together in harmony?

 

 

Following are seven reasons we must seek cooperation and partnerships in business or ministry:

 

1. It is biblical – The Bible is full of examples where cooperation is the norm for those who are one body in Christ.

 

2. It provides for strength and stability – The wise king Solomon declared, "Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts… a cord of three strands is not easily broken" (See Ecclesiastes 4:9-12).

 

3. It promotes unity in diversity – In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul compared the church to the human body which has many diverse but equally important parts. The diversity of the body parts is actually fundamental to its unity and the same goes for business or ministry outside of the church setting.

 

4. It enables strategic thinking – Which enables us to maximize effectiveness and minimize waste. Paul's desire to unite the churches in Achaia and Macedonia demonstrates the need for strategic thinking.

 

5. It provides a biblical model for others – When you read 2 Corinthians 8 and 9 you will discover that Paul wanted the generosity of one church to provide a model for other churches. By working cooperatively in our mission strategy we can ensure that we are an example for others to follow cooperatively.

 

6. It enables Kingdom advancement – For the sake of the Kingdom, we must be willing to move beyond our selfish motives, humble ourselves, and allow God to lead us by the indwelling Holy Spirit with in us in order for growth and Kingdom advancement.

 

7. It ensures that God will receive all the glory – We sometimes get so caught up in our little world of business or ministry that we forget that all we do has a single aim—the glory of God.

 

Can we afford to do any less than our best when we serve the King and Lord over all? Too much is at stake for us not to work cooperatively for furthering God's Kingdom, whether it is in the business world or ministry.