Brother's Keeper - Teamwork

Paul was a mentor to Timothy. Paul had met Timothy during one of his missionary journeys (Acts 16:1-5). Paul and Timothy began travelling together. Timothy grew spiritually in the process and as a result, Paul began entrusting Timothy with important assignments. Remember that for Paul to have been a mentor to Timothy, it must have meant that Paul was imparting into Timothy’s life in an area where Timothy needed to grow. In this case spiritual growth.

Timothy started from somewhere and eventually grew up to a place where he co-authored an epistle with Paul. We are shining light on the fact that, although it is known that Paul authored this epistle, we ought to admit that Timothy was present as words of encouragement were being penned to Philemon.

Philemon 1:1 (NIV) 

 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker. 

Emphasis Mine

Even before we get into the details of this epistle to Philemon, we begin to see the aspects of Brother’s Keeper arising. A relationship between a mentor and a mentee. In this case Paul and Timothy respectively; working for a common good – which is to encourage Philemon to accept his former runaway slave, as a brother in the Lord.

They teamed up – in this case, not as a mentor/mentee, rather as brothers in the Lord to see that there was reconciliation, forgiveness, acceptance, etc. between other brethren (Philemon and Onesimus). This action between Paul and Timothy does not only help Philemon and Onesimus, it strengthens the bond and believe system of Paul and Timothy. It also maintains a healthy atmosphere of accountability.

Proverbs 27:17 (NIV) 

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

I will state here that, it is not unusual for a mentor and a mentee to have a common goal. You may ask the question, how are all these related to this series “Brother’s Keeper?” Teamwork creates a healthy atmosphere of accountability and productivity. It fosters growth and healthy development in different areas of life. Especially when you team up with right people.

There are so many things we can do apart from each other and become fruitful and productive. In the same vein – so many things can be done together and account for much.

Ecclesiastes 4:9 (NKJV) 

 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor.

Purposefully learn to work as a team so that you learn and grow in your accountability virtue. Be keen to know when to work alone or together. There was a time when Jesus went up to the mountain to pray alone (Matthew 14:23), there was a time when fellowshipping with His disciples was imperative. (1 Corinthians 11:17-34).

Matthew 14:23 (NIV)  

After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone.

Emphasis Mine