Ephesians: A 10-Day Reading PlanSample

We’re On The Same Team

Tug-of-war is a classic field day game. Two teams pulling in opposite directions, but both having the same goal to win. Too bad, tug-of-war doesn’t just happen on field day. It also happens in the Church when we compete with each other. Not only is this not effective, but it’s also not biblical.

Paul writes to the church in Ephesus celebrating their faith. In Ephesians 1:15-16, Paul says, “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you.”

Paul doesn’t question the methods or get jealous that it is not taking place on his watch. Paul was bought-in to the global Church, and this should be our goal as well. When we are inviting people to church, we are pointing them to a blood-stained cross, not a building or a pastor. The glory of the cross will outlast any preacher or any building.

We will not worship God in separate buildings in eternity, so why do we feel like competitors on earth? It is time for believers to join up on the same side of the rope and race toward the cross.

Reflect:

• What’s one way you’ve seen Christians competing against each other? How did this affect the effectiveness of the church?
• On a scale of 1 to 10, how hard is it for you to celebrate successes you were not directly involved in?  
• What’s one way you can celebrate with another church or area of ministry this week?