In that case, Jesus seems to be irresponsible, sowing Gospel seed for three years, then leaving to return to heaven. Paul, too, looks irresponsible. How many times does Paul make converts, then leave them prematurely due to persecution or pressing needs elsewhere? Take Corinth as an example. Paul spends over a year and a half with the new church (Acts 18:11, 18). Then he and his co-workers Priscilla and Aquila depart. Many of their converts struggle as “infants in Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:1). Who will follow up with them? As he leaves, Paul may not know. But he does know the Lord who is always present, always managing His mission. Later, Paul reports,
I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. … According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it (1 Corinthians 3:6, 10).
Some plant, others water. Some lay foundations, others build. Who leads and manages this team? “For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building” (1 Corinthians 3:9). God owns this team. He knows all the players, even if we don’t. He knows what He is doing, even if we miss the larger picture. He is hearing our prayers, even if we don’t see the results. That is why we feel free to share with co-workers, to contribute our part, without feeling guilty about parts outside our control. Teamwork is God’s idea, God’s tool, into which we learn to fit.