"Now therefore, command that they [the servants of Hiram] cut down cedars for me from Lebanon; and my servants will be with your servants, and I will pay you wages for your servants according to whatever you say. For you know there is none among us who has skill to cut timber like the Sidonians."
Teamwork
Don Bennett, a Seattle businessman, decided he wanted to climb Washington's Mount Rainier. It's a stiff climb to the peak of the 14,410-foot summit, but so many individuals have succeeded that it no longer merits much attention. But for Bennett, the climb was a remarkable achievement. He made the climb on one leg and two crutches. Asked to share the most important lesson he learned, Bennett gave credit to the team of individuals who helped him attain his dream. He observed, "You can't do it alone."
Solomon realized this same truth. When he became king, he inherited from his father not only the kingdom but also the task of building a temple worthy of the God of the universe. Such an awesome responsibility would have been overwhelming, but Solomon knew it could be done if he called on others to help. Accordingly, he contacted a friend of his father, King Hiram of Tyre, and requested his most skilled lumbermen. The king graciously agreed. And thanks to the benefit of teamwork, they built one of the most beautiful temples ever.
Christians are notorious for not working together as a team. Some try to worship God on their own. The writer of Hebrews had to admonish such people about "forsaking the assembling of ourselves together" (10:25). Others can be difficult to get along with (1 Cor. 1:11). But whatever we accomplish alone is not nearly what we could have accomplished with others. Are you willing to be a team player? Can your pastor count on you to pitch in with others in your church when there is a job to be done? More will get done if we do it together. Learn from the wisdom of Solomon. Be a part of something greater than yourself. Be a part of a team.
The best work is teamwork.