A Shared Mission
Between cold weather and playoff football, I probably spend more time in front of a television in January than any other month.
I enjoy everything about the game of football. From chess strategy to finesse; mind games to ground warfare, it has so many different elements that make it interesting.
As a teenager, my father gave me a book, written by a former National Football League executive, which described in detail the typical day to day for a professional football team. In learning about all that goes into the operation, one theme stuck out to me, and resonates with me to this day: teamwork.
Each week, players and coaches devote endless hours to meetings, film study, and practice to devise a plan of attack for their upcoming opponent. It is paramount that all players in each unit are in sync at all times. Like a human body, it requires each part to work together, fulfilling their individual assignments, in order for the whole to properly function and grow.
In this week’s scripture, Paul speaks to this same idea in describing the Church. He states in Ephesians 4:16, “From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”
Notice the second half of that. Said differently, each part, or member, of the Church has an individual responsibility in helping build and grow it.
Think about that for a moment. We know that Jesus instituted the Church, not as a place, but as a people - His people. Furthermore, we are each responsible for its functioning. Not the pastors. Not the staff. All of us.
How often do you hear the phrase, “I go to church at LIFE Fellowship,” or “I attend LIFE Fellowship”? Perhaps you have said either of those, as I know I do quite often. It rolls off our tongues comfortably, the same way we describe which gym or grocery store we go to.
However, I think that type of language is emblematic of why many merely attend Sunday service, but do not take an active role in discipleship. Or why many treat their local church like a social club, always ready to find another one when their needs are not met.
The Scripture is clear. We are not called to simply attend and consume. We are called to become a member of the family. Like a family, we are to be invested in the lives of other members, ready to help when a need arises. Like a family, we are to glean wisdom from our elders and pass it down to those newer to the faith, so they may one day do the same.
What if, instead of saying, “I go to church,” we said, “I am part of a Church”? What if we became less concerned with the Sunday service amenities and more concerned with multiplying disciples? What if our attitude reflected the latter statement and our view of the local church shifted from a weekly destination to a shared, ongoing mission?
Paul tells us later in the letter that we are in a constant spiritual battle against the enemy who seeks to interfere with God’s work (Ephesians 6:12). If that is true, then we need all hands on deck in this spiritual army. We need each player on the field to do his job. We need each part of the body to work.
When a football team scores a touchdown, it is never because of one player’s effort. The offensive line needs to give the quarterback time to deliver a strike to a receiver running the correct route, while others create the spacing to help him get open, make the catch, and run for the touchdown. It takes unselfish, willing individuals committed to the mission, all doing their part to accomplish something bigger than themselves.
Are you part of a church body, or do you merely attend weekly service? What gifts do you have to offer? Where has the Lord called you to join in His work?
Jesus says in Matthew 9:37-38,
“The harvest is abundant, but the workers are few. Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.”
~ Jared Grenfell and his wife Grace have have been active members of the LIFE Fellowship community for several years. Jared has served in various roles on the LIFE Worship team including Music Director.