Paul uses two examples of cooperation in his writings which are complementary. One is of a building 'fitly framed together’ with the Lord Jesus the Chief Cornerstone (Ephesians 2 vs 21). The other is of a Body with each member belonging to all the others (Romans 12 vs 5) with the Lord Jesus as Head. The common denominator in both is the Lord Jesus. He is the firstborn from the dead. We are born again into new life in Him—note, not new life to sail off into the sunset on our own. There is no Christian life outside the Body of Christ. Any who think they are independent become an anomaly, an unnatural growth which distracts from the beauty of fellowship in the Body of Christ. The wonderful blessing of fellowship is that we share the Lord Jesus in common. By definition, fellowship (Koinonia) is not individualised. The reality of the Body of Christ is that we are ALL growing up into maturity, attaining the full measure of Christ. This takes cooperation. We all have different gifts (Romans 12 vs 6) but the same objective—to bring Glory to God and blessing to the Lord Jesus His Son, and His Body.
Whatever you do in word or deed, do it as unto the Lord (Colossians 3 vs 23). Once we get the vision that what we are doing is not for ourselves or even for each other, but primarily for Him and for His glory, it raises us up to a higher calling and motivation. The things of earth grow strangely dim in the light of His Glory and Grace. It doesn’t mean therefore that we don’t see needs that there are (and there are many) on earth, but rather that we see them more clearly. We see the priorities with God’s heart and purpose, which is not short-lived or a 'quick fix' for self satisfaction. Get right with God, and you will be right with one another. Be at peace with God and your neighbour. Love God, and love your neighbour as yourself. All these great truths, which were once part of the fabric of our civilisation, seem to have been replaced by 'self-ism'. No longer 'do unto others as you would have them do unto you' but rather 'look after number one’!
On the positive side, it should be said that the current COVID-19 crisis has led to an awareness that something is not quite right with the direction of travel of the modern world. And to be fair, more people are saying good morning when they are out on their social-distancing walks. It may be that there is more time to relax from the pressures of work during lockdown, more opportunity to see God’s Creation and hear the dawn chorus with less cars on the road. Whatever it is, there is certainly a great opportunity for us to rise up and cooperate in a combined testimony to the love and grace and forgiveness of God, not least in the light of the death of George Floyd and it’s aftermath. At a time of great uncertainty and instability, we should individually and collectively point to the stability of life in Christ Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, to every tribe tongue and nation of every generation. We should point to the common highest goal of living for Him. Not the lowest common denominator of trying to avoid confrontation.
The need for repentance, forgiveness and salvation should be addressed by us all and not left to one or two spokespersons. We live in such an atomised and fragmented society that it is not realistic to expect one organisation or dynamic leader to reach every sector of society. We have different callings in different spheres, and we must all be faithful witnesses in the area where the Lord has planted us. How shall they hear unless there is a preacher? We should all be preachers through whatever channel the Lord has given—to our family, friends and neighbours. It doesn’t help when some who bear the name of Christ deny His teachings, but God is judge, and one day He will separate the wheat from the tares. Let’s enjoy being wheat growing up together, planting, watering and waiting for the Lord to bring in the harvest. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase (1 Corinthians 3 vs 6). And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart (Galatians 6 vs 9). He who continually goes forth weeping, Bearing seed for sowing, Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, Bringing his sheaves with him (Psalm 126 vs 6).