Devotion: Synergy
I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor. John 4:38
Synergy. I’ll admit it, I didn’t know what the word meant until I Googled it-to cooperate with another or others to remedy something. “When the whole is greater than the sum of its parts—when 1 + 1 equals 3 or 6 or 60!” Now how can that be? When God’s people are working together, all things are possible!
This is my second try on this devotion, the first was okay, but this one pushed its way to the top of the paper. You see, this morning I lived the scripture. Yup, lived. Last week my husband volunteered us to work at church this morning. You might remember all those colorful, amazing quilts in the sanctuary this past weekend. At the end of the 11 o’clock service everyone folded them and placed them on the last pew. Many hands made quick work (more synergy).
Well, somebody had to package all 163 quilts into boxes, label and tape them to send off to Lutheran World Relief. I was one of the crew adding my hands to the labor of those industrious quilters. Three pickup trucks were loaded to the brim with boxes of school kits, layette and quilts headed to First Lutheran Church to be delivered all over the world. Kathy Johnson orchestrated this massive outreach, but many contributed.
You may not think you played much of a role, but it was a congregation pulling together. I heard one of the fantastic quilters remark on Sunday that they just didn’t know if they could keep on doing this. Pastor Michelle replied with enthusiasm, “Just start with one quilt!”
So much can be accomplished together. So much kingdom building! Who knows the impact of all those quilts, school supplies and baby things? God knows and is smiling. Choose your passion-missions, confirmation, quilting, Barnabas, gardening, hospitality, or music. Check the church calendar and find something that moves you. We are a powerful force together. We are God’s children sent out to make the world a better place, to remedy its ills. You’ll be amazed at the energy you get from synergy!
Dear Lord, Bring us together to accomplish more than we could ever do alone. Give us grace and peace to transform our lives into Your masterpiece. Amen.
Written by Cindy Swanson