Co-laboring in Collaboration

Co-laboring in Collaboration

Romans 12:4‭-‬5 AMP

For just as in one [physical] body we have many parts, and these parts do not all have the same function or special use, so we, who are many, are [nevertheless just] one body in Christ, and individually [we are] parts one of another [mutually dependent on each other].

I love the Amplified version of this scripture in Romans; it is the perfect example of teamwork. Since our bodies are many members (arms, hands, feet, etc.), we understand these are different body parts, but all have a specific function.

As such, we who are born again into the kingdom of God are a part of one body (The Body of Christ), but we are individuals who are connected spiritually and mutually dependent on each other.

What does it mean to be an individual? An individual is a single being, as opposed to a group. God created us as individuals, which means we all have specific qualities or characteristics that distinguish us from one another.

As individuals, we have a special uniqueness, originality, and distinction God has given us. God is a perfect creator, as he didn’t make one individual with all the special gifts and abilities, and he doesn’t make clones. Instead, as individuals, he has given us varied gifts and talents which mutually cause us to depend on each other.

We are interdependent/independent members of the body of Christ. As a unique individual, I can stand independently and share the gospel with my distinctive gifts and talents. However, I can also work mutually (interdependently) with other members of the body of Christ. To work mutually and interdependently, we must know our identities in Christ and be made whole. Therefore, two strong individuals can work together by mutually depending on each other where one lacks the other supplies.

Matthew 18:20 AMP

For where two or three are gathered in My name [meeting together as My followers], I am there among them.”

When we understand the concept of being independent/interdependent, we can successfully co-labor with one another by collaborating.

1 Thessalonians 5:12 KJVAnd we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;

Co-labor means one who labors with another, an associate in labor.

Collaboration is the action of working with someone to produce or create something. Proper collaboration brings cooperation, participation, teamwork, and joint effort to accomplish a task. 

A co-laborer is a coworker or fellow worker. Fellowlabourer in greek is a coadjutant which means to assist or operate mutually. It means we work together as laborers, helpers, and workfellows.

When we work together as laborers, we create synergy.

In 1st Timothy chapter three verse two, we read about Timothy being the fellow laborer with the Apostle Paul. When we define this word in bible concordance, it is G4904 transliteration: synergies, the Greek word for “working together.”

From this root word, we get our English word Synergy:

The dictionary definition of “synergy” describes a combined action from more than one participant. “Synergy” and “Synergism” refer to cooperative action where a whole produces more than the sum of its parts.

Understanding we are many parts/members created to co-labor and cooperate brings forth the perfect opportunity for collaboration.

Amos 3:3 KJV Can two walk together, except they be agreed?

People have discussed collaborating or creating a partnership around their sinful ideas. Such collaboration is ineffective and harmful to my identity in Christ.

However, God has called us to collaborate with those who can assist mutually to further the cause of Jesus Christ. To effectively and successfully collaborate, we must walk with those God has strategically aligned us to walk with, hence joining us in Strategic Evangelical Alliances. In such alliances, we can collaborate with the correct people without barriers. The result of this collaboration should be productive, as we are walking together in agreement with Christ.

A strategic alliance is not walking with a friend; we are comfortable around. Instead, this is walking with someone God has strategically aligned us to walk with; we will have to leave the familiar and comfort zone when we align, collaborate and join with our assigned fellow workers.

In the next article: I will explain some barriers to collaboration and successful keys to Collaborating. One fact is PRIDE is normally the root cause of unproductive partnerships.

Stay Tuned 🙂

I hope you’ve enjoyed this article so far; please comment below.

Tanicia P. 

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