Romans 12:1-5
Linus sat on the floor watching his favorite channel on TV. His concentration was interrupted when he heard Lucy’s demanding voice. “Change the channel!” Startled and somewhat upset he asked timorously, “What makes you think you can come in here and just take over?” Lucy, looking belligerently down at him curled her hand into a fist and said, “These five fingers. By themselves they are nothing but when I curl them together like this they become one single unit. They form a weapon that is terrible to behold.” “Which channel do you want?” squeaked Linus. As she settled to the floor to watch her program Linus looked at his fingers and said, “Why can’t you guys get organized like that?” (Charles Schlutz, Peanuts)
Charles Schlutz shared a story that humorously carries another message he probably did not intend to send. To be organized does not necessarily suggest unity. However, when individuals are of one mind and one purpose they can be bound together in an organized body that embodies its own collective strength. Henry Ford once said something which carries a meaning worth considering in this context. “Coming together is a beginning: keeping together is progress: working together is success.” This whole concept is repeatedly seen in the New Testament. God’s unified people are considered to be One Flock, we are gathered together—John 10. 16; One Family, we dwell together—Ps. 133. 1; One Body, we are joined together—Eph. 4. 16; One Temple, we are framed together—Eph. 2. 21; One Household, we are built together—Eph. 2. 19, 20; One Kingdom, we are to strive together—Phil. 1.27; and One Hierarchy, we are raised up together—Eph. 2. 6.
By Dr. Gayle Woods