Sunday Devotional With Mr. E: Collaboration is an Art

For many years now I've tried to do collaborative art work in my school.  I feel that collaboration is a skill that will serve students in all areas of their life.  They need to be able to celebrate others' victories, help those that might be struggling, encourage those that might be behind, and many other important LIFE skills.  I also feel collaborative work builds unity & excitement as students come together for a common purpose!  Not everyone is on board at first.  Many students want to create something individual, don't care about the collaboration if they not the star of the show, or feel it is not their responsibility to help others who are participating.  However, when things start progressing & a majority of students begin getting excited about the work....those not on board will quickly follow suit.  Their pride, hesitation, and misconceptions fade away & they embrace the role they play in the bigger picture.

Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 15:5-6

Could it be that the church is like the children not wanting to join in for the greater good?  Do people not participate for selfish reasons, desiring to be the star of the show, wanting to do things their way, or not really wanting to help others fulfill their purpose because they are to busy working on their own?  I also wonder if this keeps different denominations from coming together to serve the Lord in a more dynamic fashion?  If we'd lay aside our own agendas and embrace what God has for us...maybe we'd see amazing things begin to happen.  How can we encourage collaboration within the body of Christ....in our own churches....but also in our communities(with other churches).  The Lord desires us for us to glorify the God with ONE VOICE!  Not that we'd all look the same, act the same, worship the same.....but have ONE VOICE.  How do we achieve that?  Put aside ourselves....and know the Father's plan!!  The projects you see above start with a plan!  The kids don't just start throwing things together....the "master" (teacher) has set before them the vision...and they are given the tools to fulfill it.  God's plan is simple....KNOW HIM..AND MAKE HIM KNOWN!  Can we not take that basic message and work together??

PRAYER

Lord, help us to set aside ourselves.  Help us to see your plan...and Lord help us to come together to live out that plan!!  Let us strive to glorify you....TOGETHER...AS ONE VOICE!

AMEN