We are co-workers

"For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building." 1 Corinthians 3:9 NIV

As I raised my hands in praise and sang to the worship music at church yesterday morning, I couldn't help but smile. Surrounding me and joining in the veneration of our Lord were several of my best running buddies who had shared the racecourse with me at the Honoring our Heroes Marathon in Rolla, MO the day before. Not only had they shared in running the race with me, though, they belonged to the Frog Fitness Group (ministry of athletes) and shared in my mission of using running to share the Good News. And it wasn't just the believers at the church I belonged to yesterday that participated either. There were countless other "co-workers in God's service" that were worshiping in other buildings across the state. And while we all shared the same goal and had the same job to fulfill (to serve others and to make His great Name known), we all had different abilities. Not only did we run different distances, we did it at different speeds, some runners even participating in the marathon relay. 

And you know, this just goes to show that the "church" is not a building but a group of uniquely-gifted people dedicated to doing whatever it takes to reach out and help others. Unfortunately though, when the word "church" comes up in conversation, the first thing people think of is a building and a place where believers go on Sunday to hear a message. That definition of what the "church" is couldn't be farther from the truth my friend. You and I are the church. And we aren't just the church on Sunday either. You and I are "God’s field, God’s building" 24 hours a day, seven days a week, wherever we are and with whomever God places in our path. In other words, the "church" is a body of believers that live out the Gospel in their words and actions at all times--something it does best when people inside the building take Jesus’ message outside the building and serve.

So let us not limit our worship to Sunday morning nor our service to the confines of the four walls of any building. Rather, let us be the church at all times and to all people, as "co-workers in God's service." After all, caring for one other as well as those outside of the building is the quickest way to see Jesus change lives.

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that the church is not a building but a body of believers working together to share the Good News, serve and build up others, and lead the lost to the foot of the Cross. Spur us Lord to go outside the walls of our individual churches as often as we can to link arms with our "co-workers" knowing that we work better as a team. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!