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. From that vantage point, one plus one actually does equal
three.
Scientists use the term, “SYMBIOSIS,” to describe this
phenomenon. To recap, symbiosis is 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. OBLIGATE
SYMBIOSIS is when two organisms enter into a symbiotic relationship because
they cannot survive without each other. FACULTATIVE SYMBIOSIS is when 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 with 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 can be hindered 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 come under
divine scrutiny. To wit, the Word of God serves both as our guide and our
judge. Remember: The ultimate purpose of all we pursue as a community of
faith is 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)
However, when 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 these 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 parties
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
And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets,
some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the
saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 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. 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, but, speaking the truth
in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—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
collectively resolve 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.
My friend, are you ready?
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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