SYMBIOTIC RELATIONSHIPS (Part I)

SYMBIOTIC RELATIONSHIPS (Part I)

We are significantly stronger together than we are apart.  In other words, the combined effect of two individuals or groups working in tandem is always greater than the sum of the individual parts.  In that sense, one plus one actually equals three.

In science, this phenomenon of ‘unity’ is commonly called “SYMBIOSIS.” [pronounced sim-bee-OH-sis]  According to Dictionary.com, “symbiosis” is “any interdependent or mutually beneficial relationship between two persons, groups, etc.”  When this occurs, the unified participants have a common cause and a symbiotic relationship.

It is important to note the two main categories of symbiosis.  According to Study.com, OBLIGATE SYMBIOSIS is when two organisms are in in a symbiotic relationship because they cannot survive without each other.  FACULTATIVE SYMBIOSIS is when the they live together by choice.  Both of these have definite application to our natural and spiritual families.

Consider this.  We do not choose our natural parents or our siblings.  Time and circumstance bring together one man and one woman who procreate and produce a physical being.  On a scientific level, one might argue that you and I are merely the random result of just one of 250 million sperm cells released during sexual intercourse, swimming along and (against all odds) ultimately succeeding in impregnating one female egg.  On a spiritual level, we are assured that the Creator had a more definitive role in the result.

But the bottom-line is that we had no choice in who our parents or our siblings would be.  This is a form of “obligate symbiosis,” since we are constrained (initially and positionally) to find the means to survive and thrive in the family situations to which we were born.

HOWEVER, later on we live out our lives largely through “facultative symbiosis,” which means that ultimately we choose how we will relate, interact and live (with or without) the family of our nativity.  Indeed, this is true, both naturally and spiritually speaking.

Let’s be real.  Most of us are personally aware of a dysfunctional family, perhaps even our own.  In the case of a dysfunctional family member, somewhere along the line, a conscious choice is made to live either inside or outside of the family womb.  This is not to suggest that such a person is solely responsible for this unhealthy state of affairs.  There may have been mitigating family factors of rejection, unfairness, or a host of other issues, that produced the personal perception of pain and the end result of emotional detachment.

On a spiritual level, some people feel disconnected from their church families and are thereby unable to sustain relationships that are characterized by peace, harmony, joy, mutual support and love.  Nevertheless, it is mission critical to the building of the Kingdom of God and to our spiritual well-being that believers strive to become bona fide brothers and sisters.

“I Need You to Survive,” written by David Frazier and made popular by Hezekiah Walker and Kirk Franklin, has powerful lyrics that describe our spiritual connectedness and interdependence as spiritual siblings.

I need you, you need me,

We’re all a part of God’s body;

Stand with me, agree with me,

We’re all a part of God’s body;

It is His will that every need by supplied,

You are important to me,

I need you to survive.

I pray for you, you pray for me,

I love you, I need you to survive;

I won’t harm you with words from my mouth,

I love you, I need you to survive

There is no doubt that THE FATHER wants His children to sustain symbiotic relationships.  Beyond any shadow of doubt, we really do need each other.  Stay tuned…more to come tomorrow!

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!