Green Pastures
Weekly Devotional
Green Pastures, Quiet Waters
Cooperation
I am so blessed to be able to attend a church where very seldom do we see bad feelings toward other church attenders. There is usually good harmony and cooperation in our church family and I sense that because we are a small congregation, it is easier to be aware of tensions among us and often easier to bring any existing issues to some kind of resolution. It isn’t perfect; all churches have issues that are difficult to deal with, but because of our size, we generally hold one another in high esteem and we are more eager to find ways to resolve problems. We depend on one another for support and brotherly love.
I love this example of uniting for a purpose. There is a story of two ladies who lived in a convalescent center. Each had suffered an incapacitating stroke. Margaret’s stroke left her right side restricted, while Ruth’s stroke damaged her left side. Both ladies were accomplished pianists but had given up hope of ever playing again.
One day, the director of the center sat them down at a piano and encouraged them to play a solo piece together at the same piano – at the same time. They did. One played only the treble clef notes and the other, the bass. Then they switched places. There was much laughter and occasional frustration, but as they got used to sharing the keyboard, a beautiful friendship developed. And eventually the music was wonderful to hear.
What a picture of the church’s need to work together. What one member cannot do alone, perhaps two or more could together. An African proverb says, "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." A church is often called the body of Christ, where individuals combine their diverse gifts and talents into a single, functional unit. This ability to work together is vital for growing a church that is effective in community outreach, powerful prayer, and mutual support. That unity is strength. When there is teamwork, wonderful things can be accomplished. Even the weak become strong when they are united. “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!” (Psalm 133:1)
But let’s be clear about the idea of unity. It does not mean everyone thinks alike. In fact, when there are differing opinions we can spur others along to ideas that enhance our intent to move ahead and accomplish God’s plan. Unity in the church refers to spiritual harmony, shared mission, and mutual love among believers. How they go about accomplishing that may not always be in agreement as to method, but I believe the secret to unity is to remember one basic principle: "If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself. It only works well when it is Christ, through the Holy Spirit, that is ultimately the one giving direction.
A.W Tozer expressed it well in his book “The Pursuit of God”. “Has it ever occurred to you that one hundred pianos all tuned to the same fork are automatically tuned to each other? They are of one accord by being tuned, not to each other, but to another standard to which each one must individually bow. So one hundred worshipers [meeting] together, each one looking to Christ, are in heart nearer to each other than they could possibly be were they to turn their eyes away from God to strive simply for closer fellowship.” (A.W. Tozer)
“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 15:5.6 NIV)
B. Klassen beatrice.klassen@outlook.com