We are significantly
stronger together than 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 or groups.” 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.
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 siblings. Time and circumstance
bring together one man and one woman who procreate and produce physical beings.
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 much
more definitive role in the ultimate result.
But the bottom-line is
that we had no choice in who our parents or siblings would be. This is a
form of “obligate symbiosis,” since we are constrained (both conceptually 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
their unhealthy state of affairs. There may have been mitigating family factors
of rejection, unfairness, or a host of other issues that produce 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 characterized by peace, harmony, joy, love and mutual
support. 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!
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