Synergy!

We may be blessed with a lot of energy that enables us to accomplish many things. Praise God for good health and strength that helps us carry out the varying tasks at hand. However, “synergy” provides an energy beyond ourselves that is magnified in a marvelous way. What is “synergy”? Simply said, “synergy” is two or more things (whether machines, people or organizations) working together where the SUM RESULT IS GREATER than that of the individual effort.

An example of “synergy” was observed during a horse-pulling contest where the first place horse was able to move a 4,500 pound sled and a second place horse pulled one weighing 4,000 pounds. Wondering what the horses could do together, they were hitched up and it was found they were able to move 12,000 pounds. That was not double, but rather almost three times as much as these horses were able to pull separately.

There may be much I can do and much you can do. However, for us to work together does not merely double the effort, but MULTIPLIES IT. And when we are joined with God in the work, what can be accomplished is MAGNIFIED MANY TIMES MORE.

Paul urged the church at Corinth toward unity in their labors together. There was a collective role to be played (i.e. 1 Corinthians 3:5-8) with the recognition that God was also involved and would provide the increase.

Paul then declared…
“For we are GOD’S FELLOW WORKERS. You are God’s field, God’s building.” ( 1 Corinthians 3:9 ESV)

The word used by Paul in this text was “sunergoi” (a compound of “sun” meaning “with” and “ergon” meaning “work”; from the Greek “sunergos” or “synergos”, a reference to co-workers or fellow laborers). This Greek word is part of the background of our English word, “synergy”. The Corinthian brethren were to keep in mind with whom their labors were connected. So should we.

Not only are we to be workers together as brothers and sisters in Christ, but also co-workers with God. Such “synergy” will MAGNIFY the effort many times over as we join in works of service in accordance with His Will. Just like the Christians at Corinth we need to recognize what can be accomplished when we work as a team.

Paul, knowing the dynamic of this “synergy” could confidently declare…
“I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH HIM WHO STRENGTHENS ME.” ( Philippians 4:13 ESV)

May “synergy” be the picture of the energy being expended in the labors God has called us to. Together with Him the effort will not merely be doubled, but will be MULTIPLIED and God will provide the increase of fruit from the labors. Let us remain involved as a part of His team.

Have a great day JOINED WITH GOD IN WORKS TO HIS GLORY!
Carl

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