Once you have been part of a true team you are never the same. First, you always remember the experience of being part of something greater than the simple sum of the parts. Second, there is something magical that happens between pairs within the larger group – it is as if the team mystery transports the bilateral relationship into its own universe. Third, if you win then the experience of winning is exhilarating. You know it is special even as it happens.
Having being a part of a team, I never quite understood what was going on at the time. I knew certain parts well, but there were big pockets of the group where I had no idea of what was going on. I found myself growing more and more comfortable with the confusion because our interaction worked and we were winning! It didn’t matter what the details were, I was sure that they knew what they were doing and perhaps they were just as confused as I was about my responsibilities and activities.
The confusion is, as I look around, a natural part of life. In political parties you have leaders, supporters, and rebels. Who knows what they all do? Represent the party? Sure, but they have roles beyond that as well. Yet do others know and understand exactly what they are? From the press interviews it wouldn’t appear so. Corporate life isn’t much clearer. We push for clarity yet confusion reigns. We strive for themes, messages, and presentation to improve our communication. In the end I am not sure if anyone really hears.
John knew his role and was on message. “I knew nothing about who he was—only this: that my task has been to get Israel ready to recognize him as the God-Revealer. That is why I came here baptizing with water, giving you a good bath and scrubbing sins from your life so you can get a fresh start with God.” (John 1.31)
Do we know our roles and message with God or each other? Today is one of discovery, will we?
