One time Jimmy Durante was asked to be a part of a show for world war 2 veterans. He agreed to perform, but just for a few minutes because his schedule was already quite full. However, when he got on stage that evening, he stayed much longer than he intended. After the extended show, someone asked him why he kept performing as long as he did. Durante pointed to the front row where two men were seated, each of whom had lost an arm in the war. One had lost his right arm and the other had lost his left arm. Together, they were able to clap. And that is exactly what they did, with excitement and exuberance. The inspiration of their teamwork kept the performer performing. Two working as one, encouraged the heart of the one who had come to encourage their hearts.
It works the same way among the Lord's people. Saved sinners, full of imperfections, flaws and wounds, join hands to do what needs to be done. Two or more, with the lord in their midst, accomplish much more than individual efforts would ever produce. We are the body of Christ. We are united as one in him. His love binds us together with cords that cannot be broken.
In Galatians 5:13 we find these words. :You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather serve one another in love.:
Call this unique bond of encouragement teamwork. Call it how friends treat each other. Call it how family members interact. But hopefully, we can, by God's design and his desire, call it the church.
Part of my presentation on budget Sunday.