Some years ago a friend from FCA shared this African proverb with me… “If you want to go fast, go alone: if you want go far, go together.” Most of us want to go fast, get there quickly, and hopefully look good when we arrive. Sometimes fast is good, but more often far is much better.
Far is what we need if we are going to touch this generation of teens at their deepest need, where only Christ can heal. That means working together, connecting often, so that every student at every school has someone who is reaching out to them with the love and truth of Christ. The enormous number of high school, middle school and elementary students in our communities is a much larger mission than any one church or organization can accomplish alone. We are in a spiritual battle for the hearts and minds of this generation. Together our reach is much wider, more powerful and significantly deeper.
David, one of the great independent warriors of history, learned the lesson and value of others by his side. He and his “mighty men,” accomplished more together than they could have ever done individually. No doubt that experience contributed to what David wrote later in life…
How wonderful and pleasant it is
when brothers live together in harmony!
For harmony is as precious as the anointing oil
that was poured over Aaron’s head,
that ran down his beard
and onto the border of his robe.
Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon
that falls on the mountains of Zion.
And there the Lord has pronounced his blessing,
even life everlasting. Psalm 133 NLT
Harmony and unity are priceless. Unfortunately, they do not always abound in the Church. We are tempted to compete over turf and attention. The odor is not pleasing. But in recent years we in the Body of Christ have been learning how important it is to come together as we seek to rescue a generation. The aroma of unity is pleasant and precious.
Living in unity does not mean that we will agree on everything, there will be differing opinions and voices, just as there are many instruments in a band. But as we agree on our purpose, our outward expression of unity will reflect an inward quality that will encourage students and their families to follow Christ. Unity is like a magnet that draws people to Jesus (John 17).
Consider how you can be an advocate for collaboration and unity in your sphere of influence…
- Ask God who you should connect with today.
- Reach out to other leaders, students and parents from other churches and organizations in your community and school.
- Pray together.
- Go on mission together.
- Help the other person succeed.
Just as the dew from Mt Hermon in Israel spreads over the valley below, nurturing the crops and assuring a fruitful harvest, so unity spreads like a blessing through our ministries, churches, and across our whole community.
Don’t compete, instead complete the work of God.
Chuck Klein facilitates the Campus Alliance, a coalition of churches and organizations that share the mission of reaching out to every secondary and elementary student in America. For information contact: info@everyschool.com.
Copyright 8-2024
