4 I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, ² with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, ³ making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. ⁴ There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, ⁵ one Lord, one faith, one baptism, ⁶ one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all. ¹ (Ephesians 4:1-6)

 

Because of my schedule I have not been able to watch but a few minutes of the 2012 Olympics currently taking place in London, England. I like team sports and have great appreciation of the skills and effort needed for a group of men or women to achieve a singular goal.

So last week I was able to take a few minutes and watch the 8 men scull preliminary race in which the United States team participated. I was amazed as all eight men, encouraged by a coxswain, rolled as if one though I am sure each brought different strengths to the competition. I also thought about all the discipline building training that was necessary and the sacrifices they made in order to practice and participate in these Olympic games. At times it appeared they were almost flying across the water as they raced to their objective, the finish line. It was an inspiring and thought provoking sight.

Paul in the letter to the churches of Ephesus and beyond speaks to us Christians for a similar response in our faith. We are called to live a life worthy of the calling to which we have been called. And all of us have been called to Christian ministry. Because we all have many different talents and skills that ministry looks different for each of us. But none are excused from serving as called. And we are to have one focus, a singular focus on Jesus, just as the rowers have a singular focus on pulling the scull across the water at the fastest speed possible. So let us pray that we all put ourselves to the oars of ministry so that we together row unceaslingly as disciples of the one goal for living – Jesus Christ. Unlike the rowers of the scull, are goal is not to cross a finish line, but to walk and be with Jesus Christ. We do this by walking together, in unison in ministry to the world for Christ.