Practical Cooperation
Today, we begin a new month of e-bulletins. Our Joshua Generation characteristic this month is Cooperation, a very important part of Christian character. The slogan is, “Together, we are more.” This week’s memory verse is 1 Sam. 14:7. Here is the JG bulletin article for those of you who do not see the bulletin.
Do you ever need help? Is it sometimes difficult to get cooperation from your family or friends in getting that help? When the LORD’s family cooperates with one another to do things GOD’s way there is no limit to what the LORD can accomplish through us. We learn in Ephesians 3:20: Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.” Wow! What a promise. Our Father can do a lot more than we can even think. The only thing keeping us from accomplishing great things for the LORD is us. We either are not cooperating with the LORD and doing things His way or we are not cooperating with each other and sharing the burdens. Working together should always lighten the load for everyone.
This month our characteristic of cooperation is one in which we should see an immediate change in the LORD’s family when it occurs. Just think about it, if two move a piece of furniture it is much easier and quicker. If all the ladies are working together to prepare a luncheon it is more enjoyable and less work for everyone. When we do our share the load is lighter for all.
Even the LORD knew while here on earth that it was better to have cooperation. He called twelve men to begin the work that needed to be done. They worked together, each carrying his load of work to spread the gospel to the whole world.
There certainly was a lot of cooperation in the building of the tabernacle. Not only did the people give the materials needed for building it but they also worked together to accomplish the task at hand. (Deut. ? )
I doubt that Nehemiah could have accomplished the building of the walls of Jerusalem in just 52 days if he had not had the cooperation of all those who helped. They set out a plan then worked together to achieve their goal. (Nehemiah 3)
When one decides to build a house there is much work to do, It requires a lot of cooperation of the contractor with the sub-contractors in order to complete the job in an orderly fashion. One can not put up walls before the framework is complete. One cannot pour concrete before the forms are in place. It takes a lot of cooperation. It also takes a lot of cooperation for us in our homes to keep order and just live our daily lives.
There are always so many things to be done in the work of the LORD as well. There are the physical things such as seeing to cleaning the building and keeping it clean. Just think of the things that are required to baptize someone. The baptistry must be ready, the clothes to be worn must be clean, the towels used to dry with afterwards are needed and many other small things that can involve several people. When a leader in the church asks for your cooperation to accomplish something, be ready with a good attitude and a helping hand.
And of course there are the spiritual chores, such as teaching and studying. If we all are preparing ourselves to be ready to cooperate with the leaders when there’s a job to do, much more will be accomplished.
Mike Glenn