Tuesday, September 19, 2017
Galatians 6:10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
IN-REACH FOR YOUR MISSION-MINDED MINISTRY!
Back in high school, we had about twelve players on our basketball team. More recently I played on a team that had only seven, and two of our members couldn't make it to some of the games. That made it really difficult for just the five of us to play offense and defense the whole game.
Typically, when we think of our mission efforts in our church's ministry and service to the Lord, we first think of our "outreach" efforts. However, in our society today there is a great deal of mission work that can be done within our own homes and congregations. This kind of ministry has been often called "IN-reach." The Apostle Paul wrote about this to the Christians in Galatia, reminding them to first respond to not only the physical needs, but more importantly the spiritual needs of your brothers and sisters in Christ in your own local church and congregation.
There's a reason for this "IN-reach" idea that is quite logical. As we "go along sharing the gospel" as Jesus teaches in His great commission, we remember that this begins with those closest to us. Like the basketball team with only five players, it is hard even to think about playing offense if you can't keep up with the defense. Likewise, our outreach efforts for our Savior will be multiplied if more of our church team members aren't just sitting the bench, but taking an active part in the hearing and sharing of their Savior!
So what kind of teammate are you for Jesus? Do I actively participate in helping and encouraging my fellow members in their walk with Christ? Do I spend a lot of time sitting the bench while watching others who are maybe "better at it than me”? Do I show up for practice when I can to train at Jesus' feet? Thankfully, Jesus forgives my spiritual laziness! And He perfectly defines the word "ministry" as service. Let's think of our "IN-reach" efforts to serve and build up our church team members for Jesus! As a team, we rejoice to share the gospel of our Lord, who "... did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:28).
