There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. (Ephesians 4:4-6, NIV)
Most guys stay home for Masters week. This year, though, a Links Player invited me to attend a three-day golf tournament during tournament weekend. I wasn’t totally sure I should go. My wife loves golf and she would be left to watch the Masters by herself. But the event would introduce me to golfers from an area I had been hoping to see develop with new Links Fellowships, so I told my friend yes.
As it turned out, the weekend was fantastic. It was hosted by the Influencers ministry, and the men I met and stories I heard were amazing. God is doing great things!
Of course, we also enjoyed some competition, and the food and fellowship were incredible. I made the right decision.
What I will remember most about this weekend, however, is the way this man from one ministry (me!) was welcomed to come and bring his kingdom news to men connected to another ministry. This can be an uncomfortable arrangement for many ministry leaders. They think, What if my men go over to the “other side?”
That’s not the way these brothers at Influencers see it. They were fine with me talking to the men about Links Fellowships and encouraging them to start one at their local club. This is kingdom work, and we’re in it together. Maybe our ministry captivates someone that their ministry does not, and vice versa. When we keep to ourselves, we miss opportunities to build connections for those who aren’t like us.
Thirty men showed up that weekend. They came from different churches, different ministries, and different cities. But they had the same King. So we could ask the question, “How do we expand the Kingdom of God together?” We encouraged and helped each other with our ideas (though I’ll admit we were maybe a little more enthusiastic in supporting the guys in our own foursome!).
You may not have a ministry in the formal sense. Still, I’d guess that you are connected to one, whether it’s Links Players or your local church or something else. Be grateful that God has given you that special place to live and serve. But don’t possess it without grace toward others. Encourage men and women in the kingdom whose work looks different than yours. Again, you serve the same King. And if you can support someone else in the service they’re doing, you’ll be blessed to hear the stories of what God is doing through them.
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Dereck Wong
April 16, 2018
Copyright 2018 Links Players International
The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at www.linksplayers.com.