Life is not always fair. And some things matter more than our personal comfort and self-interest. We’re often called to take one for the team. This is our practice of love and obedience to God’s call for our life.
Generally speaking, we all like fairness. We expect everyone to contribute more or less equally if we’re on the same team. And even when we play differ roles, there’s still a reasonable expectation for everyone to show up with the same level of energy.
But often more is required of us.
At times, we take the hit for the greater good.
For example, as boss we might have to come in early, stay late, or pull double duty in order to get the job done. Ultimately, we’re responsible for the job and we willingly make the sacrifices needed to complete it.
Of course, there’s still a place to delegate and there’s no expectation we must do it all. But when someone has to take the hit for the greater good, this job falls squarely on our shoulders.
And at other times, it’s simply our relational duty to pay the cost needed to love the other.
This is certainly true in marriage. To love our wife well means we provide her with what is needed even when it comes at a high personal cost for ourselves.
This doesn’t mean we simply seek to appease her. The call is to love, not to make happy.
But we’re willing to give our very lives when there is a true need. This is the example Christ has set for us. We take the hit and make whatever sacrifices needed for her sake.
This is not fair and it’s costly. But God’s grace empowers us to accomplish what he’s asked us to do.
Whenever necessary, be willing to take one for the team – advancing the greater good and magnifying love.
Photo by KaLisa Veer on Unsplash
One Comment