Christianity Is Not a Spectator Sport

...that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:10-14 (NKJV)

There are very few things in this world that bring a greater joy than leading someone to Christ.  There is a distinct look that comes upon their face when all the pressures, fears and anxieties they're carrying that have been built up over a lifetime, are suddenly taken away.  And for the person receiving the Lord, there is a sense of making it to the finish line at the end of a grueling marathon.  For many, it literally becomes just that, a finish line, as they do nothing more once they have been given that assured peace of salvation.  

In many ways this Christian would be likened to an athlete who has finally been given a professional contract to play ball for a team; he has made it and has been accepted as a teammate, but he chooses to simply sit on the bench and root for his team.  Even though he has something to offer, he freely chooses not to participate in any of the games.  The opportunities come and go; the coach encourages all the team to participate, and yet the athlete refuses to play.

This unwillingness to join in and participate when help is clearly needed can have an effect on all those who are a part of the team as well.  They may feel an array of emotions ranging from abandonment, confusion, frustration and even anger.  They want to know that they're not in this battle alone, and that they can call on and count on a fellow teammate to come and assist them in times of need.
  
Let me just say this, if we're one of those who is experiencing this, we must remember that God will be faithful to provide every need for the jobs that He has called us to complete. Even if we see that a fellow Christian Brother or Sister is not helping in a capacity that we feel that they should, we need to stay focused on what God has called us to do; after all, we're doing it for Him (See Col 3:23).  

We especially need to guard our self against the temptation of the enemy for us to be hyper critical or divisive because of what we may feel is not right or fair.  God's word is clear for those who are abiding in the Lord, and who feel abandoned by their Christian brothers and friends:

Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing 1Peter 3:8-9 (NKJV)

Hey Christian, the bottom line is that Christianity is not a spectator sport.  It is one that has a place for every person to be a vital player on the Lord's team.  Don't discount your abilities due to your intellect or physical limitations.  And don't judge your worth based on someone else's abilities.  We're not to be making judgment about our worth based on someone else having different talents or callings.  

We just need to focus on what God is laying on our heart to do.  I like to say that if you see a need, and it is not being met, perhaps God is calling you to do it.  Just ask Him, and then ask that He would provide everything to do the job.  Don't be intimidated because the task is over your head, but instead, walk in faith and seek the Lord's provision.  It will be a mighty testament for you to share with others who want to use doubt as a defense for not participating. 

I want to encourage you today to look around for opportunities to be used in ministry.  Remember, we're not doing these things to earn salvation (See Eph 2:8, 9); we're doing them because we have been forgiven and saved, and therefore, we are reciprocating in love.  Ask the Lord to open a door that no man can close so that you may know that it is His will.

...He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens Revelation 3:7 (NKJV)

Remember, God has a place for everyone on the team, and everyone is supposed to be playing.  And there is much more room on God's team to add many more players.  Let's be looking for opportunities today, to invite others to be a part of this team.  After all, that is one of the positions that God has placed you in.

STUDY QUESTION: According to Colossians 1:10-14 how are we to walk as a Christian believer?

PERSONAL INVENTORY: Are you looking for opportunities continually to be used in ministry?  Are you looking in your place of business, your neighborhood, your Church or even in your sporting activities?

APPLICATION: Ask the Lord today, Use me Lord.  Look for opportunities to serve others and seek the Lord for His wisdom, and discernment in each situation.