Teamwork

Many people around the nation stayed up late to watch the National Basketball Championship game between Butler and Duke (I am included in that number). It does not matter whether you are a fan of Butler or Duke you had to enjoy the teamwork that was demonstrated by both of the teams. Each of the team members were willing to fulfill their role and they were also willing to support the other team members as they fulfilled their roles. On several occasions the television cameras scanned the sidelines as the "reserves" would stand and clap in appreciation and encouragement for the players that were in the game at that moment. Those of us who watch sporting events have noticed that on many occasions it is someone who comes off the bench that will play a major role in the outcome of the game. We found this to be true last night as the support players made a definite impact on the outcome of the Championship game. Something interesting always happens at the end of the game, ALL players, both the starters and reserves celebrate the victory. At that moment all of the players are blended into one mass of humanity and celebration. They have forgotten their roles and they are happily celebrating the victory. You are probably thinking that you did not come to read this blog today to get a review of a sporting event. But as I awoke this morning these thoughts of teamwork began to flood my mind. The Body of Christ can be compared to a sporting team in some ways. All of us have our roles to play in the great work of sharing the Gospel message. Some members of the body will take the lead while others are involved in the support role in which they are prepared to handle their responsibilities through their gifts, talents, and abilities. Just as a team will not succeed if it depends solely on the starting players neither will a local church succeed if it only depends on the leaders of the local body. The spiritual success of the local church body depends on the members of the team working together for a common goal. We must always keep that common goal in our view; the common goal is to share the message of Jesus Christ with a world that is looking for hope and direction. We are to encourage one another as we see our fellow Christians fulfilling their purpose and sharing their gifts and talents within the work of the Gospel. I Corinthians 14:12, "Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel (to superabound in quality or quantity) to the edifying (building up) of the church" (KJV). Am I offering my best to the "team" or do I find myself just going through the motions of religious activity? I refuse to settle for religious activity; I seek to see the people of God declare the message of God and I want to fulfill my purpose within the framework of the Body of Christ. Take a moment today and open your heart to the Lord and allow Him to reaffirm your importance to the Body of Christ. Each of us have a "role" to play and a "position" to fill; let us fulfill our purpose of building up (strengthening) the family of God.