The success of any marriage or relationship depends largely on developing a mutual teamwork attitude with a deep sense of team spirit. As a player, coach, and one who has served on staffs, I’ve witnessed the incredible power of a unified team to create progress, growth and achievements versus those who approached life solo and think only about themselves.
A team spirit is never accidental; it is always intentional. Teamwork is built on a foundation of three healthy elements: a compelling purpose, clear communication, and commonly held values. I want to share with you a simple acrostic on T.E.A.M.W.O.R.K. that will help you in building your marriage or relationships.
T – Trust
Trust in your marriage and relationships is the emotional glue that binds you together; it’s essential to producing true confidence in each other. Trust results from Consistency...Loyalty....Truthful Communication!
E – Energy
Everything has a burnout rate if it does not have a retreat and getaway time. Rather than using up all of your energy in your occupation, make it a priority to allocate energy towards those relationships that are most important. Getaway and enjoy each other. Refuse to use leftover time... use allocated time.
A – Affirmation
Everybody is hungry for affirmation. When one does not get it, they get cranky. It’s amazing how a smile and a simple word of encouragement can change a person's entire day. Ways you can affirm your marriage or relationship... valuing their thoughts.... appreciating their uniqueness... commend their efforts.
M – Managing Mistakes
The Bible teaches: “Even though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again.” Proverbs 24:16. I love that truth because it points out that even righteous people make mistakes and stumble occasionally. Mistakes are not failures, because you’re never a failure until you give up. Mistakes teach us what doesn’t work. Mistakes are how we learn and get better. And grace for others' mistakes creates a safe and secure environment.
W – Weekly Times Together
Times of reading God's Word together, prayer together, sharing stories together, and spiritual intimacy. These times won't happen accidentally. The old saying rings true especially in this area... If you fail to plan, then plan to fail! Make it a priority.
O – Open Communication
Open communication is the cornerstone of any great team.. Proverbs 13:17 says: “Reliable communication permits progress.” Here are just a few barriers to healthy communication... Assumptions...Impatience...Pride... can you think of others?
R – Recognition and Reward
The more credit you give to others, the more you develop healthy team spirit in your marriage or relationships. It’s that simple. The Bible says, “Give honor and respect to all those to whom it is due.” Romans 13:7
K – Keep on Learning
All leaders are learners. The moment you stop learning, you stop being a leader. And every relationship requires leadership. Another proverb says: “The intelligent person is always open to new ideas. In fact, he looks for them.” Proverbs 18:15
If you practice these eight T.E.A.M.W.O.R.K. values in your marriage and relationships, you’ll experience new levels of success and excitement. Take that step, and watch your relationships soar to new heights.
May God bless you,
Pastor Joe
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