For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. (Romans 12:4-5, NIV)
If you play with a regular foursome, you have likely each formed identities through the years. One in your group is a great putter, another drives the ball especially straight, a third keeps you laughing, and you might be the one who sets the competitive tone when you are all playing a tournament together. These are only examples, of course, of the many possible golfing personalities you can find, and if your foursome actually draws from a larger group of six or seven, the mashup can really vary from week to week.
What may be lacking in your foursome is a sense of purpose beyond simply enjoying one another’s company. Tournament play can change this, but when four players are teamed together, it usually means a scramble, so the feeling is a relaxed one.
We never lack a common purpose, for God equips us to serve one another and contribute to each other’s spiritual growth.Our communities of faith also bring together people of all personalities and giftings. But we never lack a common purpose, for God equips us to serve one another and contribute to each other’s spiritual growth. This is called ministry, something to which we are all called in the body of Christ.
Hopefully, you have already learned of your own ministry calling along the way, though it’s a lesson that can be missed. Depending on your church background (if you have one), you may be conditioned to see a separation between clergy and laity, where “the people up front” are the ministers and “the people in the seats” are those receiving ministry.
Scripture makes no such delineation. Yes, there are leaders like pastors, elders, and teachers, but these gifts of the Holy Spirit land among a bigger list. Those with faith or generosity, those who serve or encourage freely, those who administrate behind the scenes or show mercy in the quiet corner of hospital room—they are not an ounce less important in the community of the Savior and the discipling work of his kingdom. And you are among them!
For this reason, we not only enjoy one another’s company as a golf foursome does. Rather, we minister alongside each other, and to each other, and for each other, growing in Christ and honoring him.
—
Jeff Hopper
June 21, 2019
Copyright 2019 Links Players International
The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at www.linksplayers.com.
MORE DEVOTIONS IN THIS SERIES
On Location 1: Gathering Together
On Location 2: Then and Now
On Location 3: New Ventures
On Location 5: Making Connections
On Location 6: The Round Ahead
On Location 7: Helping Others
On Location 8: Stepping Out
On Location 9: Lifelong Learning
On Location 10: Tough Stuff
On Location 11: Learning Together
On Location 12: A Good Solid Why
On Location 13: Room for Reflection