Have you ever looked at a task, at the next week, at this year, or at a lifetime, and think, “I have neither the strength or the time to accomplish what needs to be done.” It’s too big a job for one person to do. But we haven’t been asked to spread the Gospel to all ends of the earth by ourselves. God places us in community of light-filled, Holy-Spirit-led people who work together to reflect God so all those around us will see Him.

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9, NIV

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 1 John 1:7, NIV

So, we are in fellowship with the world-wide church, but even united, we cannot spread His light in our own combined power. It is God-in-us who brings the victory

It was not by their sword that they won the land, nor did their arm bring them victory; it was your right hand, your arm, and the light of your face, for you loved them. Psalm 44:3, NIV

THINKING IT THROUGH

My husband enjoys sports, and so by association, I know a lot more about what’s happening in the sports world than I would on my own. On a sports commentary show, they were talking about a certain professional basketball team, with loads of talented players who just couldn’t seem to get their act together in order to have a successful season. So many opinions as to why: power plays between individuals, ego, inability to work together, jealousy, different ideas of style and method, coaching… These talented men have chosen basketball as their life work, and yet, something is stopping them from working together toward success. As a result, their light is NOT shining.

As a church, we are called out of darkness into the light, and it is when we are all filled with His light that we can work together.

We are NOT producing the light ourselves, but are reflecting His light. The only way we can work in unity is in the Holy Spirit, following His purpose and direction.

THINK IT THROUGH

• Look at the references to “we” (fellowship) in the verses above. How would you describe the “we” in these verses?
• Think about the family, the groups, the communities, and the church that you participate in.
  • In what ways are you able to work together?
  • Where do you find you are most likely to feel tension, disagreement, and conflict?
  • What makes you bristle? Do you know the root of this anger?
• Some of your groups might be made up entirely of Christians, others are mixed, or perhaps you are the only Christian in a group. Does this change the ground rules, the way of interacting, or the way you deal with conflict?
• Do I focus on reflecting God’s light or try to shine my own when I am in a group? What does this look like?