One Team, One Fight

John answered and said, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name; and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow along with us.” But Jesus said to him, “Do not hinder him; for he who is not against you is for you.” (Luke 9:49-50)

Value #9 – Interdependent relationships in the Body of Christ in advancing the Gospel.

I asked him, “What do we need to improve in our ministry?” You get what you ask for. As Jim Downing, in his nineties and one of my heroes, started the rebuke it came from quarters I didn’t expect. “Your greatest weakness is your lack of appreciation for other ministries.” The strong admonition was unexpected but taken to heart. Since then I have been making a concerted effort to change my actions and more importantly my thinking.

Jesus had to address this same problem with member of His own team. John tells Jesus that they stopped a man from doing ministry because “he was not following us.” Jesus rebukes John and explains, “For he who is not against us is for us.” (Mark 9.38-41)

It’s good to know that I’m not the only one who struggles with a myopic view of ministry. In fact, it seems to be the tendency in most successful ministries. And yet it is so obviously a product of arrogance it should be a red flag waving in front of our faces.

The Apostle Paul gives us a pretty clear picture of how we should view other ministries.

“And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” (1 Corinthians 12:5-7)

The Body of Christ should be functioning in a synergistic manner in order to advance the Kingdom and glorify God. For Jesus’ sake, let’s work together. One Team, One Fight!

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