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 their 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
dysfunctional families, 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 such as 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 healthy relationships, 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, i.e. our 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 life-giving, 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!
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