March 9, 2009
Peddle Fellows!
There were two boys riding a tandem bicycle (you know, one built for two) up a very steep hill. Both boys were putting forth their best and when they finally reached the top both were near exhaustion. The boy in front seemed the most worn out and as he wiped the perspiration from his forehead he said, "I didn't think we would ever make it!" To which the other boy responded, "We wouldn't have it I hadn't kept my foot on the brake to keep us from rolling back down the hill."
Perhaps that could also bring to mind the realization it is a good thing only the front handlebars are set up to do the steering. Can you imagine the problems from attempting to turn opposite directions? Such would most likely result with both bicyclists meeting the pavement.
The simple lesson here is the need for WORKING TOGETHER for the common good, rather than against one another. A lot of energy is wasted when we work against rather than for the benefit of each other. We need to keep the purpose of life in mind and then determine how we can best WORK TOGETHER to maximize the energy spent.
Paul wrote...
"(5) What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. (6) I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. (7) So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. (8) He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor. (9) For WE ARE GOD'S FELLOW WORKERS. You are God's field, God's building." ( 1 Corinthians 3:5-9 ESV)
We need to keep God's purposes in mind. We would also do best if we allowed God to do the steering while we WORKED TOGETHER peddling. After all -- it is God's work and we are each to be His servants. May we press on in His work together, expending the energy required to work wherever He steers us.
Have a great day WORKING TOGETHER TO THE GLORY OF GOD!
Carl
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[This focus was originally sent 12/14/1998 (edited some with passage changed to ESV)]
See other teEn-MAIL on Cooperation
