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God wired all of us in such a way that we
can only fulfill his purposes for our lives in community, in his family,
and in relationship with one another.
"Chapter twelve of First Corinthians has
always fascinated – and frightened – me as it speaks of the church and its
members. It encourages me by reminding me that I am not alone and that my
ministry matters. It also encourages relationship with others: people
realize how valuable they are, but at the same time that they cannot live
without others.
I like organizing camps but it's not an
easy task and requires many helpers. Our church is quite small (less than
thirty members) and usually half of us are involved in arranging these
camps: some members are responsible for tidying up, some for food, some
for activities, others for worship or for leading small groups. All these
people are united by a common goal – to create a good camp where families
or friends can enjoy this time with one another [interdependence].
But as I mentioned before, there is also
something in that chapter that frightens me. Verse 26 says, "If one part
suffers, every part suffers with it..." That is, if one member has
problems, it affects everybody.
Let us suppose that the one who is
responsible for the food cannot complete the task. What happens then?
Should we cancel everything? Should we continue? How will it affect the
program of the camp?
Can just one person affect the outcome of
the whole process? Somebody might imagine he doesn't matter much, but each
and every person is relevant to God. If he cares, then it will have an
enormous effect on everything that happens.
I'm mindful of how my decisions can
change my relationship with others, and how they can affect the
achievement of the main goal. Then I remember the proverb - measure thrice
and cut once. We are all parts of one body, we are all dependent on one
another, and we are all moving towards the same goal.
Of course there will be obstacles and
temptations that affect individuals. But if we encourage each other in
times of trouble, we'll be a blessing to those around us and we'll be able
to lift God higher."
"Dreams pass into the reality of action.
From the actions stems the dream again; and this interdependence produces
the highest form of living." – Anais Nin, novelist, 1903-1977
For reflection/discussion: How do you
personally understand the proverb, "Measure thrice and cut once"?
Julie Belding is
editor of DayStar, New Zealand's Monthly Evangelical Newsmagazine |
