Challenge, Church, God, Jesus, Unity
It takes Teamwork!
March 4, 2017 - Challenge, Church, God, Jesus, Unity
Acts 6:1-15
One thing we know from playing and coaching the game of basketball is you can’t win a game on any individual effort. It takes a team working together toward the same goal to win. No one player can get all the baskets by himself. It takes everyone collectively doing his or her part to succeed. In other words, teamwork makes the dream work.
Luke records for us in Acts 6 the first instance of this truth taking place in the church. The church was growing, the gospel was being spread and different needs started to arise. The twelve disciples could not attend to all the needs that had arisen and still be effective at doing what God had called them to do. They appointed seven men to play their part on the team in order that the twelve could continue to play their part. Because of everyone working together towards the goal, Luke tells us, “So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith” (Acts 6:7). Because of their teamwork, they were able to see the church continue to grow and the gospel continue to spread throughout the world.
Paul also confirms this truth later in the New Testament. We are all part of the body of Christ, the church. We all serve a certain function. We all play a part on the team. Just like a body can’t function properly without all it’s members working together, the church can’t continue to grow and the gospel continue to be spread without each member playing his or her part on the team. Individually we won’t be able to accomplish the goal, but collectively we can achieve the purpose of the church that Jesus died for. Let us reflect on what part of the team God has called us to play and how we can use our talents to spread the Gospel throughout the world.
