ImageI’ve played on a lot of sports teams in my life… some good, some terrible.  But I could tell early in the year what type of team we would be.  The best teams shared a common passion and goal, and nothing could deviate us from that goal.  There was a huge accountability factor, both on and off the court, to make sure our focus was always sharp.  We knew that any small deviation from the goal of winning a title had the potential to start small but sidetrack us by a long way in the end of the season.

In any organization, business, or church a clear mission is key.  It defines purpose and keeps the people within it focused on exactly what needs to be done.  Most of the time when there is failure it is due to a series of events that slowly turn the organization away from the initial purpose.  I believe it is time we, as a Church (big C, not little c) get back to the basics.  Not being distracted or getting into battles about what we are against, but focused on our mission.

The modern church was born in the book of Acts and had a pretty basic mission. “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer…  Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.” (Acts 2:42,45)

In that passage you see the affects: people were amazed at the miraculous signs (proof they were walking with God), enjoying the favor of all people (proof they were meeting the needs of their community), and watching the Lord add to their number daily (enjoying God’s blessing for being faithful).  That’s the movement I want to be a part of!

So I commit to no longer sitting idly on the sideline, critiquing what is happening “on the court.”  I commit to, not just be on the team, but to contribute.  I’m no longer going to watch my community, city, and world struggle while I do nothing about it.

Our time as Christians is now.  I accept the challenge.  Who’s with me?

Game on, world.