I’m a huge sports fan, and one of the things that I appreciate so much about sports is the team aspect. To see that group of men or women work together to accomplish something great is always a moving experience.

But the aspect of a team isn’t just a sports reality. It’s a kingdom of God reality also. You see, all of the gospel-preaching churches and ministries are on the same team. We’re not here to build our own kingdom, but rather God’s kingdom. At least that’s how Apostle Paul saw it, based on the book of Philippians.

Paul was the premier preacher of the gospel in the years immediately following the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. And people, out of loyalty to him, came to him and were like, “Hey, did you know that so-and-so is preaching the gospel also? And they seem to be gathering a following.” They were expecting Paul to be like, “Well, we need to put a stop to that. I’m the only gospel preacher around here!”

But that’s not what he said. He said, “Great! We need more gospel preachers.” But they were like, “But you don’t understand. We don’t think they’re as genuine as you are. We think their motives for preaching aren’t great.”

But Paul said, “It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice,” (Php 1:15–18).

Beloved, we have a job, and that is to get the gospel out so that sinners will be saved. That church or that preacher or that ministry down the road from you who is preaching the gospel also is not your rival. They are your partner. May you rejoice along with Paul when they have kingdom success! Their win is your win because you are on the same team.

Change begins in you!