Here are a few thoughts on togetherness.
Going Fast
In High School, I was a sprinter. I ran the 100 and the 220. Sprinters run on nervous energy and adrenalin and rely only on themselves. They are quick, but they don’t go very far.
Going Far
The cross-country team ran a 2.3 mile course. They trained together and competed as a team. For distance running, they did better as a group.
When I worked with Hope For Haiti’s Children I made many trips to Haiti. Sometimes I went alone and sometimes with a large group. When I went alone I could visit all the schools in a day or two. But the large groups did something I couldn’t, they put on medical clinics and served hundreds of kids. Going alone was faster, but the group got much more accomplished. Working together was the key.
Now Jesus
“As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. And he sent messengers ahead…” Luke 9:51-52
Only Jesus could die on the cross. It’s why he came. He could have gone to Jerusalem alone, but he didn’t, his disciples went with him. They went together.
Now Paul
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3-4
Paul elevated the value of connection, of the fellowship of believers. Caring for each other is how a church is sustained and grows, by doing it together.
In Closing
Here is an old proverb:
“If you want to fast, go alone. But if you want to go far, go together.”
The body of Christ is a sacred community and the community exists in service to one another.
Spiritually, we go farther by going together. If you doubt it, just ask the people whose homes were destroyed by Harvey.
It’s just a few thoughts on togetherness.
