There Are Many "I's" in Team

People are often quick to point out that there’s no “I” in the word “team.” While this is an important reminder that we all need, it can easily distort the equally valuable idea that we all bring unique contributions and skills to the table. There may not be an “I” in the word team, but most good teams need several “I’s” with different skills, passions, or talents in order to achieve a shared goal.

This idea further manifests itself when we talk about the concept of purpose. In a sense, all of us share a similar, unified purpose. We all desire to know God on a deeper level and make God’s name known in the world. However, there are also elements of purpose that are specific to each individual. 

In our new workbook, we consider the apostle Paul’s life as an example of a unique purpose. If you read Acts 9, when Paul was met by Jesus on the road to Damascus, you get a glimpse into the plans God has for Paul’s future. Listen specifically to what God says about Paul in Acts 9:15 (NKJV): “He is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.”

It’s significant that God mentions Paul’s calling to minister to Gentiles first, especially if you know anything about the strained relationships between Jews and Gentiles during the time when Paul lived. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross and His resurrection shortly afterward opened the door for Gentiles to belong to God’s family for the first time, and Paul was going to be the person to extend the invitation - even if he had spent years beforehand persecuting Gentiles and telling them to stay away. 

Not only does this transformational story put God’s power and mercy on full display, but it also helps us see how God can lead us to our purpose or calling as well. Here’s a brief excerpt from the workbook entry:

“If Paul’s story is any indication, God may call us to a specific purpose as a way of both impacting the world and changing us from the inside out. Paul wouldn’t have discovered his purpose on his own, nor would it have made sense apart from his relationship with God. When Paul meets Jesus on the road to Damascus, it connects his rough past and his current skills with a God-honoring future in a way that makes God’s power and presence fully evident.”

As we consider factors such as our past experiences, our unique interests, and our specialized skills, we take steps toward discovering the individual calling God has placed on our lives. Not only will this purpose give us a clearer sense of direction for our lives by showing us how we can contribute to the development of God’s kingdom, but it will also impact our own journey of development and sanctification as we continue to be formed into God’s image. 

We are so excited that this workbook is now available for purchase! Grab your copy today, and make sure you get a copy of the full "Abide Factor" book to read as well.

We also encourage you to consider connecting with one of our trained mentors if you're interested in a more individualized and tailored approach to spiritual growth, you can schedule a free discovery call to learn more about this program.