It shouldn’t shock you to hear that we are “better together.” We have proven that as Southern Baptists on many occasions and in many places around the world over the years. “Together” is not always easy, but things that are of great meaning and value are rarely easy. A few weeks ago, I asked Kim to help me find some things to redecorate the walls in the TBA building and any reason to go to Hobby Lobby for her is a good reason. So, off we went. I wanted scripture signs and other things but then we saw the sign that said: “better together” and I knew that was it! I’ve probably said that a thousand times this last year because I’m learning more and more about what “associating” can accomplish. That’s a good saying, it’s Biblical, and it really characterizes us as Baptists, too.
(Here is a picture of the wall outside Angela’s office today.)
I remember writing a paper on the Cooperative Program when I was up on the hill at Lagrange College. When I presented it, it captivated and amazed my Methodist classmates and professors. It also opened my eyes to how much we have been able to do for the spread of the Gospel as well as helping a hurting world because we have chosen to work together.
Biblically it goes all the way back to the beginning when God said, “It’s not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” Adam was made better because of Eve. They were “better together.” That’s been God’s plan for every marriage and the same can be seen in churches. Churches that will unite and work together will be better, and healthier, and accomplish more than those who choose to pull in opposite directions on the same rope.
Members of a church cooperate to further the mission and vision of the church. Associations are made up of cooperating churches to further ministry and the spread of the Gospel in their surrounding counties. Associations cooperate together across a state to accomplish more for the Kingdom of God. And on it goes as it spreads out to impact the entire world. We have proven that we are “better together.”
As you receive this edition of The Messenger, the SBC is getting ready to gather in New Orleans, Louisiana. I hope you will pray for our messengers who will gather there this year. Pray that our leaders and members will gather with their focus on how God might continue to use the SBC to impact the world with the Gospel. We have differences of opinion,theory, and practice – but we have One Lord, One Savior, and One God. We’ve been given the Greatest Commandment and the Great Commission so pray that we can remember what it means to be “better together.”
As for the TBA, I hope you will see the value in all of us working together in unity and supporting one another so that we might see more people come to know Christ in a real and personal way.