Faithful on Fridays Blog

Last week I discussed synergy and symphony in the Body of Christ. When ministry teams are joined together with a mutual goal and work as joint there’s a symphonic sound. Let’s now move on to another great concept: symbiosis.

… from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. Ephesians 4:16

Not only are we joined by mutual interests but we are held together in symbiosis. Paul meant that ministry is interdependent; no one is independent in a healthy church. We need interdependence because we learn and grow from each other and as each ministry values one another’s gifts it becomes symbiotic: its held together and works properly. Whether it’s Men’s, Women’s, or Children’s Ministry we need to depend on each other in order for the Body to grow healthy.

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:4

Small groups or ministry teams mutually benefit each other as we listen and share; Paul knew we’re better together:

… being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ,

… and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God. Colossians 2:2, 19

I think its pretty clear why spiritual gifts were so important to Paul as he taught the church how to be a healthy body,

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 1 Corinthians 12:4-7

If the Spirit of Christ gives out gifts, service, and activities with empowerment to create a symphony (common good) then as a believer you need to receive His gifts and use them for His glory.

For the body does not consist of one member but of many … But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as He chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body … Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.

1 Corinthians 12:14, 18-20, 27

Let’s take the time to evaluate the ministries we’re involved with; do we depend on each other, is each member’s perspective recognized, are we praying for each other and for other teams, are our goals being reached as we work in synergy and symbiosis, but most importantly, are we growing in our understanding of Christ Jesus and His Body?