Bible Reading: 1 Cor. 9:16-27
Read and pray: "To the weak I became weak, that I might gain the weak. I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some." (2 Cor. 9:22)
Another problem among us is that, despite the capability of those who serve, they do not have a sense of coordination in the spirit when they gather to serve. It seems as if each one can serve without the others. Consequently, few among us have the spirit of a learner and of someone who knows he needs help.
Those who truly have the spirit of coordination must have a clear sense that they can do nothing without the help and coordination of others. Our coordination today is merely formal. They carry out their part without anyone's help. There may be no arguments among us, but there is also not much interdependence in the spirit. This shows how inadequate our serving spirit is.
This is the situation of those who work with the young people and the children. The coordination is formal; everyone does what they are supposed to do when it is their turn in the schedule. This is cooperation, not coordination.
Coordination means that we cannot do anything without the others. There is the sense that we need the others, and the others need us. Those who work with the young people should be like this; the entire service of the church should be this way. It is normal for the deacons and the elders to need one another, and for the saints to feel that without them, they can do nothing.
Today we have rules and regulations. The elders do what pertains to them, and the deacons do what pertains to them. Everyone works according to the schedule. However, we do not have a deep sense that we cannot go on in our service without the elders and the deacons.
Some not only do not feel the need for the elders and deacons but even think that the elders and deacons are unnecessary. This is dangerous.
The greatest form of pride
Those who live in the workers’ house are brilliant and capable. They seem to be independent and not need others. This is very dangerous because it is the greatest form of pride that exists.
If four brothers live in the workers’ house, they should depend on one another, and this dependence should be evident. Unfortunately, this is not the atmosphere that surrounds us.
For example, if it is my turn to preach the gospel, I either do everything or do nothing. From a human perspective, this may be considered coordination; however, this kind of coordination is according to rules and regulations. There is no perception of needing one another in spirit. Some may think that coordination is unnecessary and even disturbing, and it is better not to have coordination.
Those who do not need coordination are dry, without blessing, and useless. The fact of being intelligent, capable, and not needing the help of one another is a great danger. This situation is sad and lamentable. The most terrible thing is that this situation is covered, not very apparent. It can be compared to leprosy. If it manifests, it will be easier to deal with it.
This reveals that we lack the fellowship of the Body. When we meet, we rarely have full fellowship. For example, when the saints from another city visit Taipei, we gather together. After the meeting, however, everyone goes their own way, separated, without experiencing fellowship.
This was not our situation during the first six years in Taiwan. In that period, whenever we had a conference, we gathered together and had much fellowship.
Now we are all capable, brilliant, and very well instructed. We no longer need one another; we no longer need to maintain fellowship. This is the greatest form of pride possible. It is the most offensive thing to the Lord and His Body. We must minister to others with all humility and restrain our intelligence and coordination ability.
Enjoy more: Hymn 476
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