Great coaches are filled with energy and driven by passion. They are visionaries, able to set aside disappointments and temporary criticism to focus upon the ultimate goal of the team. They see defeat as an opportunity to help build character in themselves and their teams. A great coach gets the most out of their players by knowing and properly coordinating the unique and special abilities of each player. This is the mastery of teamwork. In a like manner, the Christian life is fully experienced, and ministry is most effective, when each of us takes to the field of life using our gifts, talents, interests, and hobbies to the glory of our Lord. Like a good coach, a great pastor will properly assess his congregation and effectively utilize folks where they are gifted.
God has blessed believers with a great variety of gifts (1 Corinthians 12:1-11). He has called folks to serve, teach, exhort, give, lead, administer, encourage, evangelize, and prophesize. Each disciple is given one or more gifts “for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ” and is called to play their part in the effective working of the church (Ephesians 4:12,16). Peter wrote, “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the multifaceted grace of God” (1 Peter 4:10). The purest form of expression of any gift is when it is expressed with a heart of love and sacrifice towards another person, and when we bless others generously with our gifts, we too are blessed (Proverbs 11:25).
It has been my privilege to view a few NFL games from the sidelines. From this vantage point, I observed the intensity and professionalism of the coaches and players. Prior to kickoff, each team member, focusing on their gifts and talents, practiced the skills and strategies that helped them become successful. Every player was dedicated to the game, dedicated to the team, dedicated to winning, and ready to play their part.
Each Sunday there are millions of fans who sit back and enjoy watching others participate in sports. But we cannot be spectators in the ministry of the church. Every person is significant and has a unique role to play, but in general, 20% of church members do 80% of the work. Too many Christians are sitting on the bench. Getting off the bench requires courage, dedication, conviction, selflessness, and a willingness to sacrificially offer what they have been given, big or small, to the body for the wellness of the church and glory of God. If we are to make an impact for good, everyone must become involved.
Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:1-11
Personal Application: What gifts or talents has God given you? Much like a good football team, a church works best when we work together for the common good. It is easy to be a spectator, but we all have an important part to play and are all called to get in the game. If you feel you have little to give, remember that Jesus fed the five thousand with the small gift of five loaves and two fish (John 6:9-14). Are you using your gifts and talents to honor and glorify God and to uplift other disciples? If not, what keeps you on the bench?
Jim Grassi, D. Min.
We cherish any verse in Scripture that reminds us to keep focused and intentional about evangelism and discipleship. “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:5