“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.”–Philippians 1:6–7
There is an old saying that if you see a turtle on top of a fence post, it’s pretty sure that he didn’t get there by himself. God’s plan is for His work to be done by His people working together in love and harmony. Paul wrote to the beloved members of the church at Philippi and thanked them for being part of his ministry. Though they remained behind when he continued his missionary trips, they supported him through their prayers and their gifts, and as a result, played a vital part in everything he accomplished. They were just as much a part of the ministry and work as Paul was.
I read a story about an organist giving a concert back in the days when organs had bellows that had to be hand pumped by another person to provide air for the music to play through the pipes. The audience was thrilled with the skill and artistry of the organist; and after each selection applause filled the concert hall. At the end of the concert, the organist stood to address the assembled people and said, “I will now play my final song.” But when he pushed the pedals and keys, no sound came out of the organ. A quiet voice from backstage suggested, “Say we will now play.” God’s focus is on teamwork and partnership within the body. While we each have different roles to play, each one is important, and the work cannot be done as it should unless all of us do our part.(Daily in the Word). Don’t misunderstand this— both were wrong! We should not take all the credit, nor insist in getting any credit. As long as God gets the glory, that’s all that matters!
