In our school systems today, sports have become a necessity. With all the distractions that the sports programs bring, they also bring overwhelming attractions! Sports teach the children the necessity of teamwork and that working together can produce a much greater result.

A “one-man show” is frustrating. Out on the football field when one person thinks that he alone can when the game, the team is destined to lose. Even if the score is greater than the opponent’s, the team loses. Not only that, the team becomes discouraged because it seems that their efforts are in vain.

Think about that for a moment. What would a football game be like if there was only one player on each side? What about a band concert? What if you only had one drummer? How long would you be willing to sit and listen to the voice of one instrument?

It is obvious that a team sports event must be approached with a team effort. A band concert must be approached with every instrument participating in the sound.

In a team sports effort or in a band, everyone has a function. Some have a more outstanding role than others while some have a supporting role. The leading role is out of balance without the supporting roles and the supporting roles are out of balance without the leading roles. TEAMWORK IS A MUST!

Now, let’s just talk about the church of Jesus Christ. For far too long, we have promoted an imbalance that has destroyed all of our progress. We depend too much on the “quarterback” and not enough on the rest of the team. Many of the players have no idea whatsoever of what the position they are to cover.

Let’s face it, most of us don’t even care what we are supposed to be doing. The best we can figure is that we come and sit in the stands and root for our side. After awhile, that even becomes boring and unproductive, so we begin to lose interest.

Are you at that point? What’s wrong? Have you not found your place?

In football, if you weigh 250 pounds, stand 6’4 tall and like to hit people, the coach would put you on the front line to block for the quarterback. He would place you according to your size and ability.

In the church, Jesus himself has built you for a specific work. He has placed you on the team to use your gifts as HE see fit. He has given you something that will help others on the team accomplish the over-all mission that HE, HIMSELF, came to do: “Seek and save the lost”.

Many are sitting back and have lost interest, slowing concluding that they are useless because they cannot be the quarterback or play the leading parts. Don’t let this happen to you.

Every instrument that is removed from the band hurts the sound. Soon you will end up with one drummer playing “Silent Night” and no one will want to listen. What part do you play? Are you even still playing? Who determines the leading role anyway? The Lord, not us.

God Bless and GOOOOOO DAWGS,

Rev.Marshall Murphy

Rev. Murphy is the Pastor at the First Christian of Demopolis. He can be reached at 289-3615.