Happy Sabbath!

In 1904, the World Fair was held in St. Louis, MO. Part of the festivities was a mule pull. The goal was to see which team could pull the heaviest load. In this contest, the first-place team was able to pull 9,000 pounds and the second-place team pulled 7,000 pounds. After the contest someone wanted to see what could be pulled if they hitched up both teams together. Thinking logically, they should be able to pull at least 16,000 pounds, which was the sum of their max loads. Instead they ended up pulling 30,000 pounds!

These mule teams demonstrate the principle of synergism. The dictionary definition of synergism is this: Interactions of two or more agents, so that the combined effect is greater than the sum of the individual effects. In other words, the whole is greater than the individual parts put together. Thus, the two mule teams did not simply add together their respective abilities, but nearly doubled what they could individually accomplish. When we look closely at this concept, we begin to realize what an amazing law God has engineered into His entire creation. God made the universe in such a way that something special happens when there is unified a group working toward a common goal, with one mind and one purpose. What can be accomplished is not simply added upon one another but multiplied.

The concept of synergism fits with what is shown in the Bible. "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; but how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken." (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12).

How well do we utilize the benefits of synergism in the Church of God? Do we view each other as being an invaluable addition to the Body? Do we recognize that one of the most powerful tools we have to stand in this present evil age is the family that God has called us into? Are we unified, like a cord of rope intertwined to form a virtually unbreakable bond?

If we go back in time to the beginning of the New Testament Church, we see a Body that seemed to attain this goal. Acts 2:1 describes the group of 120 gathered on the Feast of Pentecost as being in "one accord." Barnes Notes on the Old and New Testaments says the following about this phrase: "entire harmony with ideas and feelings, no schisms, no divided interests, no discordant purposes." This describes a group that has the unity God would like His Church to have, and that we should be striving to achieve.

What was the work God was able to do with the small group on the Feast of Pentecost? Acts 2:40-47 give us the answer. While our focus might be drawn toward the fact that God had called an additional 3000 people, who were baptized on that day (an increase of 2,500 percent!), notice how the Body was able to continue forward with intensity! They held fast to the truth and to each other. As they came together, they were like the three-fold cord; they were strengthened. When we work together with unity of mind and purpose, God blesses the work of our hands and we become a stronger body. This law of synergy is just one small aspect of the Feast of Pentecost that is fast approaching. As we continue to count towards that Holy Day, lets reflect on our need to be of one accord.

All the Best,

Devin Schulz