I love the ’17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork’ by Dr. John C. Maxwell. In one of the slides he presented was this:
There are three kinds of players:
- People who don’t want the ball
- People who want the ball but shouldn’t
- People who want the ball and should
I think I can identify myself in all of these at one time or another!
So at present where do you see yourself? After all that we have faced in the last months, it is time to start asking relevant questions as we face coming back to our local church and community.
I am really thankful for Zoom but do not see that as the future in regards to the local church or local community. I believe it is a very valuable tool. But the greatest and most valuable tool is you.
We don’t even have to say anything anymore—you’re the message!
People come up and tell us how you received us with open arms, how you deserted the dead idols of your old life so you could embrace and serve God, the true God. They marvel at how expectantly you await the arrival of his Son, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescued us from certain doom.
1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 The Message
You notice, I hope, in these verses three outstanding facts. These people had stopped believing and worshipping idols and turned to Jesus (salvation). That’s a great story. Then they served in the local church, that is the ball while they were awaiting Jesus’ return.
Of course, Jesus’ return is unknown as to the date but it is because of that fact Paul urges the church to ensure the first two facts are done.
So if you are a follower of Jesus the question cannot be ignored. Yes, there has not been a great deal we can do with the ball at present but that is ending. The ball will be very much in play in the next few months so do you want the ball?
We are all people who should want the ball just in case you did not answer – the right ball of course in the sense where you can best serve your local church and community. So why not start asking God which ball do you want me to pick up?
Stay safe and Blessed.