Cultivate We-ism
September 27, 2004
Teamwork lies at the heart of what it means to be
strong, because through teamwork a force is created that’s
greater than the sum of its parts. In other words, a family unit
is stronger than any one member of the family. Me-ism is an
attitude that says, “My needs are more important than anyone
else in the family.” Team members who suffer from me-ism love
the limelight. They complain when they don’t get their way and
gloat when they do.
Whenever I think of me-ism I recall the story of
three men stranded on an island in the South Pacific. I never
heard how they ended up on the island, but they were there for
several years when one of them found an old bottle that had
washed up on the beach. Curious, he picked up the bottle and
carried it back to his friends, who decided to uncork it. There
was a loud pop when the cork came out, followed by a swooshing
sound—like air rushing out of an open valve on a helium tank
used to fill birthday balloons. Less than a second after they
had opened the bottle a tiny white cloud took the shape of a
giant genie—eight feet tall and dressed in a black robe and
turban.
“I will give each of you one wish,” he said.
No sooner had he made the offer than one of the
men said, “I want to go home and be with my family in Dallas.”
In the blink of an eye he disappeared.
“I want to eat a meal in the best restaurant in
the world,” the second said. An instant later he too vanished.
The third man looked around at the shack they had
built, the beach where they had spent so much time. Suddenly, he
felt isolated and lonely. In a whisper he said, “I want my
friends back.”
Me-ism says, “Me first.” It’s the opposite of
we-ism, which says, “Team first,” or “Family first.”
How did Jesus cultivate a team atmosphere of
we-ism? First, he trained his men and then gave them
opportunities to succeed. In Luke 10:1-23 Jesus sent seventy of
his followers out to minister in the villages of Israel. He gave
them instructions and turned them loose.
A short time later the seventy returned
celebrating like a championship team after defeating its biggest
rival. Jesus immediately entered into their joy. He wasn’t
threatened by their achievements. Nor did he feel a need to
steal the limelight. Instead, filled with joy, he gave praise to
God.
Second, he empowered his followers. After his
resurrection some of the disciples had serious doubts about
whether he had indeed been raised from the dead. Peter probably
felt he was no longer a part of the team. Jesus erased their
doubts and fears by appearing in their presence and imparting to
them his power and authority. Every member of your family needs
to know they’re a valued part of the team. And they need to be
given appropriate responsibilities and the authority necessary
to carry out those responsibilities.
If you want to develop a spirit of we-ism in your
family follow the Lord’s example.
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