Unity

Do you compete your ministry with the ministries of others? Who has the best attendance? Who is bringing more people to Christ? Who is sending out the most disciples? Who has the strongest prayer meetings?

Do you ever keep your ministry plans secret so no one else will find them out or steal them?

I read a recent quote that said: Would you be upset if someone else's ministry was God's answer to your prayer?

It is pretty evident that Paul shared every secret he had with Timothy. He mentored him, loved him and showed him all the ways he knew to serve and grow in ministry. He warned him of pitfalls, encouraged Timothy in weakness, reminded him of his goal. Paul was the kind of leader we should all set out to be. He was a leader that new that his purpose, the purpose of his ministry and the purpose of those who learned from him was to spread the gospel message.

^{2 Timothy 1:8-10}So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

A spirit of unity. No need to compete, no need to be self-serving. A genuine desire to share knowledge so that it may be passed from one generation to the next, from one ministry to the next. We aren't playing a game. Our Savior is coming back for those that are set apart for Him.

Are we so busy making sure our own competitive needs are met that we overlook the joy in all that may potentially share in His glorious riches?