Nehemiah documents all the work that was done by the Israelites in rebuilding the wall around the city. According to chapter three, he starts with the North wall and sheep gate. He proceeds counterclockwise to the west, then to the south and then the east part of the wall. Ten gates are repaired along the way. The work was done by all! Each person from the Priests to the royal officials to the lowest of citizens all contributed to the rebuilding of the wall. There was a place for everyone. The rebuilding of the entire wall was accomplished in record time.
There’s no telling what can be accomplished if people embrace a common goal and work together to accomplish it. Paul tells us that each of us have a different function to serve in the church today and that each of us is a necessary part of it. He compares the church to a human body with each part having a specific role to fill. When one part of the body fails to accomplish its purpose the whole body suffers. But when all parts function under the unified direction of a common cause, good things always happen.
We’re not nearly as productive when we try to stand alone as we are when we unite with others for the accomplishment of a common task. Geese in route to warmer climate often travel thousands of miles. Swindoll mentions several in-flight habits geese have that make this possible. Those in front rotate. When the lead goose gets tired it slips back into the “V” formation and another moves up to takes its place. They flap in such a way that each flap of the wings creates uplift for the bird immediately following it. The whole flock gets 71 percent greater flight range than if each goose flew on its own. The geese at the rear of the formation are the honkers. It serves to announce their presence and to encourage those leading the way.
Whether we’re leaders, flappers or honkers we’re in this journey together!
Chuck
“Seek the Lord while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near…Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously.” (Isaiah 55:6-7)