Fair Treatment, not Equal Treatment

MercyMe sings, "I hear a Voice and He calls me redeemed when others say I'll never be enough. And greater is the One living inside of me than he who is living in the world...There'll be days I lose the battle. Grace says that it doesn't matter, 'cause the cross already won the war. He's greater! He's greater! I am learning to run freely, understanding just how He sees me, and it makes me love Him more and more!" ("Greater") We must remember the power that lives within us when we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior.

The central verses for tonight are John 21:21-22: "When Peter saw him, he asked, 'Lord, what about him?' Jesus answered, 'If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow Me.'" (NIV)

Maxwell's main message for tonight is this: Do not treat everyone on the team equally. He uses a sports metaphor to describe this concept. If a player does very well, he should be rewarded for it. In contrast, a player who performs poorly needs different treatment so as to improve his performance. Giving both individuals the same treatment would hurt the team. Either one will feel like the coach doesn't value his skills, and is also punished unreasonably; or the other will not receive the necessary training to better himself because he is being rewarded when he didn't earn it. The two must be treated fairly, and thus, differently.

The same concept applies to other teams, such as those at companies. More training is needed for those who under-perform. At the other end, proper recognition must be given to those who excel. This balance can help strengthen the team because strengths are emphasized and weaknesses are addressed and worked on.

Tonight's reflection question asks, "How do you moderate your treatment of your players?"

I recommend holding each accountable for his or her responsibilities, but not chastising one person for not doing something that he or she is not responsible for. If it is John's responsibility to send an email, and he doesn't, don't put the blame on Susie, who was not the one at fault.

We should pray this prayer for guidance: Father, please help me to keep the proper balance of my treatment of my team members and followers. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen. After all, praying to God and trusting in Him gives us access to the One who is Greater than those in the world!

God bless you!