How can we apply the principle of cooperation from Exodus 36:10 in church projects? \Looking at Exodus 36:10\ “ ‘He joined five curtains into one set and the other five into another.’ ” \The Principle Unpacked\ The Spirit–gifted craftsmen did not leave their handiwork lying in separate piles; they intentionally fastened individual pieces into one unified covering for the tabernacle. That simple sentence models at least three timeless truths: • A shared blueprint—God’s revealed plan—guided every hand. • No single artisan could finish the task alone. • Individual excellence reached its goal only when joined to others. \Translating Cooperation into Church Projects\ • Start with God’s plan, not ours – Pray together and search the Scriptures until everyone can affirm, “This vision is from the Lord” (Proverbs 16:3; Acts 13:2). • Gather the right mix of gifts – Like Bezalel and Oholiab (Exodus 35:30-35), identify those whom “the Spirit of God has filled with skill.” – 1 Corinthians 12:18-21 reminds us that eye, hand, and foot all matter. • Define roles clearly – Curtains were numbered and assigned; likewise, give every volunteer a specific, meaningful task (Nehemiah 3). • Fasten the pieces continually – Regular coordination meetings, shared calendars, and real-time progress updates keep separate teams from drifting apart (Ephesians 4:16). • Encourage cross-support – Pair seasoned workers with newer ones; let administrative gifts relieve creative ones; practice Galatians 6:2 by bearing one another’s burdens. • Celebrate each milestone – Exodus 39:32 records a joyful hand-off: “So all the work of the tabernacle… was completed.” Mark similar moments with thanksgiving and testimonies. \Guardrails for Healthy Teamwork\ • Reject comparison and envy – “Whoever boasts, let him boast in the Lord” (2 Corinthians 10:17). • Address conflict quickly – Follow Matthew 18:15-17 so small frays do not unravel the whole fabric. • Stay under authority – The workers honored Moses’ oversight; modern teams respect pastors, elders, and project leads (Hebrews 13:17). • Keep the mission visible – Post the goal, rehearse it in meetings, and remind everyone that we are “God’s fellow workers” (1 Corinthians 3:9). • Work heartily for Christ – “Whatever you do, work at it with your whole heart, as working for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23). \Blessings that Follow Cooperation\ • Projects finish sooner and stronger—“So we rebuilt the wall, and the whole wall was joined together to half its height, for the people had a mind to work” (Nehemiah 4:6). • The watching world sees tangible proof of unity (John 13:35). • Every participant grows in skill, humility, and joy (Philippians 2:2-4). • God’s glory fills the finished work just as His cloud filled the completed tabernacle (Exodus 40:34-35). |
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