This is the Assignment: Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations [help the people to learn of Me, believe in Me, and obey My words], baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Matthew 28:19 AMP The assignment is to a team: One team. One body. One people. One race- the body of CHRIST. Football (Soccer) is a team sport. Each of the 11 players on a team is assigned to a particular position on the field of play. A team is made up of one goalkeeper and ten outfield players who fill various defensive, midfield, and attacking positions depending on the formation deployed. These positions describe both the player's main role and their area of operation on the pitch... (thanks Google). God's Ministry(work) of reconciliation is a team sport. Each of us as an individual, group or church are players assigned to a particular position on the field of play. The field of play might be a local area or wider, but the team is definitely global. This team is made up of God's kids who fill various defensive, midfield and attacking positions depending on the formation deployed by the chief coach (God). These positions describe both the player's main role and their area of operation on the pitch as individuals or part of groups... Now you [collectively] are Christ’s body, and individually [you are] members of it [each with his own special purpose and function]. 1 cor 12:27 AMP
We might not all have an international ministry/role but we are all part of ONE worldwide TEAM- God's reconciliation Army!
(My prayer is that our range of sight gets wider in Jesus name🙏) Whether your role is to score, defend, shoot , attack, control the flow of play, create opportunities, etc, it's still ONE team, in the SAME game. A good player is focused on achievement in his role and specific area of play, but it is never just about him. The reason to play his part well is for the glory of the team. His glory is tied to the team. From the standpoint of the coach, though he wants each player to do well, the goal is winning the match. Therefore to him, the best player are those whose heart is on the team.
For this reason, we encourage and root for each other's success. Belittling, comparing, tearing down the other, drumming up faults or rivalry (unhealthy competition) should NEVER be. As Paul says, "You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans?"1 Corinthians 3:3 NIV Fellow Jesus believer, there is only ONE body and we are all on the SAME team with the same ONE ultimate goal - to disciple the world. So whatever role, position or play, your victories are my victories, your failure is my failure, Your hardship my hardship and your praise my praise - and vice versa. Ephesians 4:4 1 Corinthians 12:25-27 NIV For this reason, I'll spur you on, pull you up, defend and cover your back; all I ask is that you do the same in return... till we all win.
Amen.