“The body is a unit…” 1 Corinthians 12:1a
One of the most exhilarating things I like to do is watch how people respond when something in their lives has been awakened. These “revelation moments” are incredible signposts along the road of our destiny and assignment. This is awesome because when people are awakened and take ownership for a vision they see themselves developing or being a part of, then the momentum of the vision increases in so many other ways. One of these revelation moments we need to wake up to is the revelation that “the body is a unit” and that we need to take ownership of this truth.
Ownership is about taking personal responsibility for my role in the big picture. I not only give mental assent and verbal affirmation to the process, but I actually give my body, mind, and spirit and become part of the process. This means that I make personal sacrifices in order to accommodate what I claim to be something that God is in. We cannot live by convenience. We have to live in the realm of sacrifice.
Many people in church have a distorted view of owning a vision. They think that having control over all the decisions is ownership. Some think that because they contribute financially to the vision that they have ownership. Others believe that because they have been there from the beginning then they have ownership.
However, ownership is about showing up. It’s about showing up spiritually, emotionally, and yes, even physically. When we begin to understand that the vision is diminished because of my lack of ownership, and that my contribution is essential to the big picture, only then I am awakened to the reality of community and commitment. When I actually get in the game beyond just wearing the team uniform or reciting the team motto, I have a chance to shape the history of the community I’m in and to fulfill my own destiny and assignment at the same time. When I get in the game my uniform becomes dirty because I am actually making plays and having fun while doing it. When I’m away because I don’t ‘feel’ like being in the game then I am selfish and only thinking of my own comfort and space rather than the team I have chosen to be a part of.
There will be circumstances whereby we may only contribute partially to the vision in the different seasons of our life. For awhile I may be able to give emotional support and encouragement. At other times my spiritual gifts will be utilized. How about my physical presence? How does that make a difference? Well, when a professional athlete is injured, the coach requires him or her to remain on the bench or on the sidelines. Why is this? This is important because even the physical presence of a team mate is vital to the other members of the team. It just gives a sense of solidarity and commitment to the big picture. It communicates the integral truth that we are all in this together no matter how injured or healthy we are. Everyone is important and if one piece of the proverbial puzzle is missing…well, you know what I’m getting at.
The Kingdom of God is like a team and the world is waiting, even groaning, to see the church revealed. Let’s all take our God-given assignments and move forward. Own it!
Rick D’Orazio
Conference Pastor
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
|
Devotional 
