SYMBIOTIC RELATIONSHIPS (Part II)

SYMBIOTIC RELATIONSHIPS (Part II)

We are stronger and better together than we are apart.  As Solomon suggested, “Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him.  And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:12)  In other words, the combined effect of any group working together cohesively is considerably greater than the sum of its individual parts.  In that sense, one plus one actually equals three.

Scientists use the term, “SYMBIOSIS,” to describe this phenomenon.  Dictionary.com defines “symbiosis” as “any interdependent or mutually beneficial relationship between two persons, groups, etc.”  Whenever this occurs, the unified parties have developed a SYMBIOTIC RELATIONSHIP.

There are two primary categories of symbiosis.  According to Study.com, OBLIGATE SYMBIOSIS is when two organisms enter into a symbiotic relationship because they cannot survive without each other.  FACULTATIVE SYMBIOSIS is when the they live together by choice.  Both have practical applications within our natural and spiritual families.

FACULTATIVE SYMBIOSIS mirrors MAN’S FREE WILL, i.e. the foundational fact that an INFINITE GOD has afforded FINITE HUMANITY the ability to “choose…whom you will serve.” (Joshua 24:15)  Since we are not robots or automatons, we are granted the capacity to choose the quantity and quality of our relationships with our Creator and His creations.

There are four types of symbiosis: MUTUALISM, COMMENSALISM, PARASITISM and COMPETITION.  Numerous practical lessons can be gleaned here; let’s focus on a few.  Please note that the first two types of symbiosis have positive impact; the latter two have negative effects.

PARASITISM involves one organism living off another, often causing disease or death.  COMPETITION involves a rivalry for resources or a struggle for supremacy, often resulting in the diminishing or death of one of the organisms.

THE INSTITUTIONAL CHURCH is often victimized by overt and covert acts of COMPETITION and PARASITISM.  In a word, “the Kingdom of God suffers violence.” (Matthew 11:12)  Here’s the thing.  VIOLENCE FROM WITHIN is potentially more damaging and detrimental that VIOLENCE FROM WITHOUT.  To understand this fact, simply contrast the woodpecker with the termite.  While woodpeckers can be extremely annoying, their overall impact is relatively miniscule in comparison with that which can be wrought (silently and surreptitiously) by an infestation of termites.  Outside versus inside…think about it.

This is why the motives and methods of all men must meet divine scrutiny.  The Word of God serves both as our guide and our judge.  Remember: The purpose of all we pursue as the community of faith must be to GLORIFY GOD and to build the KINGDOM OF GOD.  That is why we must live in the Spirit and walk in the Spirit, because the carnal mind (the natural mind) is actually the enemy of God. (Galatians 5:25 – Romans 8:7) 

Whenever the people of God determine to fully embrace KINGDOM PRINCIPLES, we exemplify both MUTUALISM and COMMENSALISM.  

MUTUALISM occurs when each participating party benefits by interaction with the others.  There are no ulterior motives, hidden agendas, or downsides in the relationships.  POLLINATION is a natural example of this.  Bees and birds harvest nectar from plants and (at the same time) they transport pollen that fertilizes other plants.  All benefit!

COMMENSALISM occurs when two or more organisms live in harmony with each other without damaging any of the participants.  It is a peaceful coexistence.  For example, the clownfish resides in the deadly tentacles of the sea anemone.  Thus, the clownfish is protected from its predators with no harm or inconvenience to the sea anemone. 

In the biblical book of Ephesians, the Apostle Paul paints a clear picture of God’s will regarding the SYMBIOTIC RELATIONSHIPS that must and shall exist within the Body of Christ.

Ephesians 4:11-16

11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

Bottom-line: Instead of competing with each other, or instead of using each other to achieve self-serving or carnal objectives, let’s make up our minds to rise to a higher dimension of faith, mutuality, unity and love.  Let’s strive to develop SPIRITUAL SYMBIOTIC RELATIONSHIPS that edify and empower one another as we effectively establish the KINGDOM OF GOD.

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