Friday, October 9, 2015
The most successful sports teams are usually not the ones which have the most talented players, but rather those who play as a unit. In other words, every member of the team does his or her part. It is no different in churches. Those which are most effective are those where every member faithfully does his or her part. I was reminded of that truth this morning when I turned on a TV sports show and both hosts were coming down hard on a very talented football player who, according to them, only plays for himself and not the team. To be more specific, they said that this particular player likes to catch the ball but not block. To me, it would be the same as a pastor who likes to preach and teach but will not do any other pastoral duty. I Corinthians 12:12 reads: “The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ.” This verse makes it quite clear that God intended that the church should function as one unit.
In every church, the members who get things done are rarely the most gifted or talented, beginning with the pastor. I bet you know people who claim they know more bible than the pastor and if he or she were given the chance, they would preach or teach way better. In many cases, this may be a valid assertion. Nevertheless, God doesn’t call people into Christian service because of their ability, but rather because of their heart. That truth is confirmed in the story found in 1 Samuel 13: When King Saul again disobeyed the Lord’s orders, the prophet, Samuel told him: “But now your kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him leader of his people.” (verse 14) That, of course, was David, a man after God’s own heart. Saul was bigger, stronger, and probably better looking, but David had heart and Saul did not. Many centuries later, these things keep repeating themselves in the body of Christ. One thing that distresses many pastors, me included, is to know that they have gifted and talented people in their congregation who are doing very little or absolutely nothing. Then they have those who are in positions of leadership who are often not available. I know it is a cliché but it is true nonetheless that, in Christ, the most valuable ability is avail-ability.
Dear child of God, permit me to remind you that you are a member of Christ’s body and that it is very important for you to carry your load and do your part. If you don’t, your unit will not be effective and many will be discouraged because of it. And don’t let anyone or anything convince you that you do not qualify or have nothing to offer. If you are available, God can use you. How is your heart?
Memory verse for the week: (Matthew 25:21 NIV) His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness’!
