I’ll never forget the last game of every Little League season. This was before parent-coach communication apps, so every player took the field with a mix of hope and anxiety. We knew that while we were fielding ground balls and taking our last at-bats, someone was taping the All-Star list next to the concession stand. When the game ended, we’d all wander over—ready either to celebrate or drown our sorrows in nachos.
It’s human nature: we all want to make the team—and that longing doesn’t stop with Little League.
That’s why I’m so grateful there’s a team we’re all invited to—one where everyone belongs, plays a role, and fulfills a purpose. We don’t make this team because of talent or qualifications, though. We make it because we’ve been chosen. The team I’m talking about is the family of God—the Church.
Paul explains this beautifully in Ephesians 4, reminding us that we’re not just saved from something; we’re saved for something. This chapter teaches us how to live so that we, as a team, fulfill God’s purposes.
First, Paul encourages us to live like we’re called. Verses 1-3 say, “I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love…” When we accept God’s invitation, we’re called to live aligned with His way through humility, gentleness, patience, and love.
Second, Paul wants us to live like a team. Verses 4-6, say “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” Paul says “one” seven times because unity is vital! There’s synergy, safety, and purpose when we act as one body.
Third, we must understand we each have a God-ordained role. Verses 7 and 11–12 say, “To each one of us grace has been given…to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” God has graced and gifted each of us for a unique role within the family of God.
Finally, Paul tells us that growth is the goal. Verses 12-16 tell us we are meant to become mature, “no longer infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching…” Spiritual maturity matters because a church that looks like Jesus becomes a powerful witness to the world.
Friend, there’s no need to track down the list—we have all been chosen! God has called each of us into His family, equipped us with purpose, and united us as one body. So let’s live worthy of that calling, with humility, unity, and maturity, growing into the image of Christ together. When we do, the Church will shine brightly in a dark world, faithfully fulfilling God’s redemptive purposes through His people. Together, we can live called, displaying Jesus clearly to a world who needs Him desperately!
