We are stronger and
better together than 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 rivalry for resources or 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 invisible 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 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 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) 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 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 do 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 using each other to achieve self-serving, 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 YOUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!
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