Multiplicity

A colleague of mine recently shared a church message with me and explained how she’d felt after hearing it. “I look at everything these people are doing, and I am doing nothing,” she said. We talked for a while, and I concluded by saying, “There is plenty of need. Just find out what God wants you to do.”

I could definitely relate to her feelings. We often compare ourselves to others and think that another person or ministry is more valuable. But a sports team is only as good as the sum of its parts. Sure there are players that stand out, but it is the team working together that determines the outcome. It’s the same with the Church.

Because I volunteer with FCA Endurance I try to explain to everyone in my circle of influence the importance of the ministry. Athletes understand, but many others do not. I know my target audience, but I want everyone to understand. I feel so strongly about FCA because at the very heart of it is discipleship, yet if all Christians did the same things only specific groups would have their needs met. When the Church does ministry with all the skills God has given us we reach more people.

First Corinthians 12:20-25 says, "Now there are many parts, yet one body. So the eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I don’t need you!’ Or again, the head can’t say to the feet, ‘I don’t need you!’ But even more, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are necessary.  And those parts of the body that we think to be less honorable, we clothe these with greater honor, and our unpresentable parts have a better presentation. But our presentable parts have no need of clothing. Instead, God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the less honorable, so that there would be no division in the body, but that the members would have the same concern for each other.”

The Christian musicians who use their talent are more equipped than I to lead worship. The Christian doctors who have been called to the mission field are more equipped than I to care for the sick. I, on the other hand, am more equipped to reach coaches and athletes. Maybe you are too.

Your involvement with FCA matters. It is one part of the body designed to reach the athletic community.  Examine your spiritual gifts (e.g. leadership, teaching, hospitality) and find out how to use them to reach others in your sphere of influence. It will be another great example of the Body of Christ at work.