All Things Together

“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” - Gen 1:27

In the beginning, God made humanity for relationships. “It is not good for the man to be alone,” (Gen 2:15), because God himself is not alone. In some great mystery, God is three in one. The Father has for all eternity been one with the Son and the Spirit and Jesus redeemed humanity to be a reflection and participant in that diverse unity (John 17:20–23).

So much of what we struggle with in life is because we try to accomplish our daily callings in our own effort. I don’t mean simply apart from God, but I mean apart from one another. God created a diverse humanity with many cultures because it will take billions of people and a multitude of cultures to only begin to reflect the multi-faceted glory of the Trinity.

Therefore, how silly is it to think we should do anything alone? We all have weaknesses and blind spots that we need others to cover. We all have skills and talents that other people need. We each have gaps in our education and wisdom that others can fill.

That’s why the Apostle Paul tells the Corinthian church that they need to honor each member of the body (1 Cor. 12:12–30). Every part is necessary to build the body up to maturity in Christ (Eph 4:11–16). That means we should do nothing alone.

Certainly that means all the big things we are called to do, but I wonder if we would be healthier (physically and spiritually) if we did all the small things together too. Don’t play games online alone, play the same game in person with others. Don’t eat your lunch alone, but find another person to delight in God’s provision together. Don’t live alone, but even if you are single, find roommates to build a home with.

Having this mindset of finding others to share gifts with and work together with will only strengthen us to do the big things together with others. It will drive out that desire to do shameful things alone because you know God’s gifts were made to be experienced with others (some within certain covenantal relationships). It will drive away that temptation to scroll endlessly, because you find real conversation more satisfying than virtual friendship. It will banish that creeping despair when you surround yourself with people who regularly remind you of God’s goodness.

Brothers and sisters, we have a wealth of godly gifts in this church. Keep pressing into one another. Don’t spend too much time doing anything alone. It only opens the door for Satan to disrupt, discourage, and destroy.

You were made for fellowship. Seek out other brothers and sisters in everything you do and watch your sanctification grow.

Thankful for your vital part of the body,

Adam and the elders