Are they lazy? Maybe it's a result of their upbringing? Perhaps they don't know any better?
Or
They really know but pretend to act ignorant.
Underachievers have little ambition. They only do what they're told...nothing more. They attempt to fly under the radar; hide in their office; surf the Internet; text; make excuses and take no initiative to see who needs help and what needs done.
Our entire life is a stewardship test. There is no "rulership" without "stewardship." If we don't pass this test, we'll never be made ruler over great things.
Luke 16:11-12 "If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own?
A steward must be proven to be faithful-dependable and trustworthy. (1 Corinthians 4:1-2) Stewardship makes you accountable for your behavior. You can't continue to blame your dislike of work, co-workers, boss, location, position, etc. Ultimately, we will be required to give an account for our behavior. (Luke 16:1-4)
On the other hand, a person who displays the character of faithfulness will abound in the blessing. (Proverbs 28:20) Once the blessing is upon you, it affects every area of your life and makes you rich and whole. (Proverbs 10:22)
You may be faithful ... but are you fruitful? Are you bearing fruit in your present ministry? Are you doing all you can do...or just enough to get by? Are you bringing joy to your leaders? Are you adding or subtracting? Are you just bidding your time in your present place and viewing it as a stepping stone to something else?
Many of the breakthroughs people are searching for are hindered because they haven't passed the test of "gumption." When you have gumption, you will work with what you have and make the most of it. Times of uncomfortable testing prove what you will do with abundance.
When you're faithful with little, you'll be faithful with much.
When you're unfaithful with the few, you'll be unfaithful with the much.
Examine your motives. How can you ever have your own ministry if you can't get the basics down where you're presently serving?
Serving in ministry and/or on a team requires certain things:
- Must communicate
- If you have a problem with someone on the team, talk to them about it. Letting bad feelings brew will only make you sour and want to isolate yourself from the team. Not only does it feel good to get it out, but it will be better for the team in the long run.
- Don't blame others
- People on your team lose respect for you if you're constantly blaming others for your lack. You're not fooling anyone, people know who isn't pulling their weight in the group. Pointing the finger will only make you look cowardly. Team members understand if you have a heavy workload and aren't able to meet a deadline. Saying something like, "I'm really sorry, but I'll get it to you by the end of today." will earn you a lot more respect than trying to make it seem like it's everyone else's fault that you missed your deadline.
- Support other people's ideas
- If a teammate suggests something, always consider it - even if it's the dumbest idea you've ever heard! Considering other people's ideas shows you're interested in their ideas, not just your own. And this will make a you a good team member. After all, nobody likes a know-it-all.
- Stop bragging
- It's one thing to rejoice in your successes with the group, but don't act like a superstar. Doing this will make others regret your personal successes and may create tension on the team. You don't have to brag to let people know you've done a good job, people will already know. Have faith that people will recognize when good work is being done and that they'll let you know how well you're doing. You're response? Something like "Thanks, that means a lot." is enough.
- Listen
- Look at the person who's speaking to you, nod, ask questions and acknowledge what's said by reaffirming what they have said. If you're unclear about something that's been said, ask for more information to clear up any confusion before moving on. Effective communication is a vital part of any team, so the value of good listening skills shouldn't be underestimated.
- Get involved
- Take time to help others no matter what the request. Don't wait to be asked to do everything. Jump in with both feet and give it 100%. At the end of the day you'll have accomplished something worthwhile and will feel good about your workmanship. Other people will be more inclined to give you a helping hand if you've already done the same.
