Growing Together

I was reading some quotes online recently and there was a man named Lewis Timberlake who probably found most of his fame from the following quote: "I'd give $1,000 to be a millionaire."  With tongue in cheek we would reply in unison, "Wouldn't we all!" 

Lewis Timberlake also had some other things to tell. One of them involved his trip to California where he was touring a huge sequoia forest.  The guide was telling them all about the sequoia trees, their enormous height, and especially about how straight they grow.

  He also pointed out that the root system of the sequoia is barely under ground.  Some in the crowd challenged the guide's description of the roots, saying that a shallow root system for such a tall tree would never work.  Strong winds would have all those trees laying on the ground if they have shallow roots. 

The guide continued to explain, the sequoia grows only in groves, and their shallow roots intertwine from tree to tree and that's where they get the strength to stand. When the wind blows strong, these trees hold each other up.  (Story taken from Reader's Digest, May 1989)

I don't know much about Lewis Timberlake, other than a couple of his quotes. I do know the description of those sequoia trees is a perfect description of the way God intends for his people to function in the church.  I am saying our success or failure to accomplish God's work in this world is not intended to be a solo achievement. We need each other!

We have talked about spiritual gifts recently and the above story is an example of the way they work in the Lord's Body, the church.  Those who have been involved in church are experienced in knowing that when the really good things are happening, we are susceptible to the strong winds of Satan's attack. That is why Paul in Ephesians tells us in God's church, there are those who are gifted as "apostles, some as  prophets, some evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers." Ephesians 4:11-12

Then Paul gives the reason for these diverse gifts. He says they equip the saints for the work of service and that builds up the body of Christ.  No, Paul didn't mention the sequoias, but the principle is there.  Going alone in Christian service might accomplish a little, but building up the body of Christ by equipping individuals to function in unity accomplishes much more.  That comes from working together, intertwined in spirit just like those roots on a sequoia. 

Make no mistake about it, the winds of diversity and discord will blow. Satan will attack and attempt to destroy every good work.  I am suggesting that if we do things God's way, being equipped for God's work , and working together in unity, Satan doesn't stand a chance!

May God bless you as you grow stronger, and grow together with others in the body of Christ, to bring glory, honor and praise to our God. 

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