My Spirit, My ResponsibilitySample

My Spirit and Partnership

I believe in divine partnerships - that God connects people together for Kingdom purpose. Did you know that there are people you are called to do life with and whose destinies are connected to yours?

Do you attend your church because you like the pastor, the worship or the children’s ministry? The best reason to go to church is because you believe God has connected you as a partner. Membership is not about signing a form but about having a spirit that understands the power of partnership and equal contribution.

Partnership makes everyone looks better than they are – “We are better together”. One of the most important partnerships in life is with your spouse, which is why the decision of who to marry is so important. Never underestimate the importance and power of the people God puts in your life. 

In Acts 13:2 it is clear that God set apart Barnabas and Paul specifically to work together. 

"As [the apostles] ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” "

After a while, Barnabas and Saul had a disagreement and ended up going their separate ways, even though God had joined them in partnership. We have no idea what happened to Barnabas after that because the Bible never speaks of him again. Perhaps he underestimated the power of partnership.

Negative attitudes such as pride or unforgiveness affect the way we view the partnerships in our life. I’ve seen people start to feel as though everyone is just living off their gift, thinking everything is about them. Sadly, they found out the hard way that it wasn’t as much about them as they thought. 

Over the many years of Hillsong Church, my partnerships with successive key worship leaders have been vital to the ongoing growth, influence and impact of this ministry. I know that I am better because of them; it would be a great mistake to think that somehow I could have done or continue to do what I do without them because God connected us for a particular time for Kingdom purpose.

2 Cor 6:14 says, “Don’t be unequally yoked together with unbelievers.” What does that mean? It’s true we should not be yoked with unbelievers, but even worse is being yoked to an unbelieving believer; that’s the Christian who says, “Oh yes, I believe!” but when it comes to actually trusting God and putting Him first in their life, they are always dragging the chain. 

Who are your ‘them’? When it comes to the partnerships in your life, are you equally yoked? A right spirit towards partnership means that we are in this together. If you understand the power of working together in God-ordained partnerships, you will see His blessing and His Kingdom purpose outworked in your life.

PRAYER:  Lord God, I pray for an increase in godly partnerships.  Bring the right people at the right time into my world for the purpose of fellowship and community.  Give me discernment when it comes to relationships, and may my life and partnerships be a blessing to your kingdom.