Your Position on the Team

Your position on the team

The Patriots (an NFL Football team) were defeated yesterday.  One of the reasons they lost the game was that their defensive line was porous, weak at the center. Why? A key player was injured last week. Vince Wilfork is a big man who plays a role as big as he is for the Pats. Yes, he is just one man on the team, but his important influence on that team is undeniable.  No I would not say, irreplaceable. A new man can be brought in and rise to the challenge, but not easily, nor quickly.

Each of us is called by the Spirit to a place on God’s squad!  Old news, right?  Perhaps it is familiar to us, but the truth is still compelling.  Nobody can do exactly what you do in the world for the Lord. Yes, it is true, some may enjoy a more prominent role. Some have more influence.  But, we’re all on God’s team, all doing what we do in His Church, for His glory.  Christians who find a place to serve, who do what they do for the Lord and others with enthusiasm, find fulfillment.  Those who think Christianity is a spectator sport grow discontent, often becoming critics and moving on to find a ‘new show’ somewhere else.

I have served in pastoral ministry for almost 4 decades.  Without exception, each of those congregations where I served had people who filled key roles because they heard the call of God, developed the gifts of the Spirit given to them, and were faithful.  Not all were in roles that were visible.  Some served Christ actively and effectively, but primarily outside of the church’s building or programs.  Then there were those who looked for recognition, who craved rewards, who wanted the spotlight.  They ‘served’ but only when pushed or promised some incentive.  Others were amazingly gifted, but undisciplined, showing up only when they felt like it  or when it was convenient.  They never became effective, precisely because they were not reliable.  Some were wounded by life, some distracted by other things, some walked away for reasons unknown. When they quit, it left a a hole on the team.  Their absence was felt and the church suffered loss in each case. 

There are several passages in the Scripture that teach us about our position on God’s team. One of those is found in Romans 8.  As you read this quote from The Message, a contemporary translation of the Bible, ask yourself if you are ready to play your position well. "Let’s just go ahead and be what we were made to be, without enviously or pridefully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren’t. If you preach, just preach God’s Message, nothing else; if you help, just help, don’t take over; if you teach, stick to your teaching; if you give encouraging guidance, be careful that you don’t get bossy; if you’re put in charge, don’t manipulate; if you’re called to give aid to people in distress, keep your eyes open and be quick to respond; if you work with the disadvantaged, don’t let yourself get irritated with them or depressed by them. Keep a smile on your face. Love from the center of who you are; don’t fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle." (Romans 12:6-10, The Message)

God has a place for you on His team.  Nobody is left out, unwanted, or unnecessary.  Some pray. Some give. Some teach. Some lead. Some sing. Some write. Some support. Some give encouragement. Some offer hospitality. Some build. Some go out on missions far away. Some serve in the same place for life. Some are exuberant and demonstrative. Some are quiet and reserved.  All love God and His people.

So, step up. Pray to know how He is calling and equipping you. Then, help the Church win a victory over the World, the Sinful Nature, and the Devil himself. "Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen." (1 Peter 4:10-11, NIV)
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Faithful Men

Come and join the reapers,

All the kingdom seekers,

Laying down your life to

Find it in the end.

Come and share the harvest,

Help to light the darkness,

For the Lord is calling
faithful men!

Twila Paris

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