NETWORKED

For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ – 1 Corinthians 12:12

The Ordered Life is a NETWORKED Life, a Connected Life. Networking refers to any arrangement or fabric of parallel wires or threads, crossed at regular intervals by others fastened to them; a group or system of interconnected individuals. In the broad sense, networking enhances life by sharing resources through relationships and connections, which form the core of the network’s power. The miracle of networking is the unlimited potential it has for bringing previously isolated things together for beneficial exchanges and great accomplishments. We live in a connected and networked world, the age of the www, e-mail, cell-phones, and Global Village. One can fly to a faraway land, and on arrival, immediately connect to a loved one back home to announce arrival. We watch events live on TV or a palmtop. We can arrange a trip, a flight or car hire with immediate effect via the internet. There is a network in place that makes all of this a reality.

God networks! Networking succeeds because originates in God. It reflects the divine Order and pattern of interdependence and unity God ordained for the Church (Jh.17:11,21). As a powerful network of human lives, she depends on the strength of relational connections to fulfil the Great Commission: “From whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love” (Eph.4:16). Even our relationship with the Lord is a network of the Vine and branches (Jh.15:1-5). The church is the most networked community on earth many times over. It is embedded in every land and has members in every field, discipline, and expertise. If it learns to walk in humility and discernment, it will change the world.

God custom-designed us to thrive best when we are correctly connected and networked – in marriage, friendship, career or ministry. The idea is not for you to be part of an aimless group, but to experience deeper connections. Far too often, we tend to settle for shallow relationships which are easier and require minimal investment of time and attention. There, we tend to submerge the negative emotions we feel that need to be exposed and dealt with, by hiding under the camouflage of the familiar but emotionless, “I’m just fine.” Someone defined FINE as “Feelings Inside Never Expressed.” We often say we are fine when in reality we are far from being fine. We try to avoid appearing weak, needy or being a burden on others. This attitude robs us and our friends of blessings that can only be experienced when we allow others to support us. Of course, you need not unload your emotional baggage on social media or into the public domain. This is about being honest with the significant people in your life – the people you love and who love you in return.

The Early Church networked to share resources so effectively that not one among many thousands lacked for anything (Acts 4:34-35). Their relationships were Spirit-led, authentic, caring, challenging, supportive, symbiotic, and transparent. Building significant relationships is not optional. It is part of the love-law of Christ: “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ” (Gal.6:2). Paul networked in his times. He was a Jew, who lived in a Hellenized world under the rule of the Roman Empire. He could expound the Scriptures to his countrymen in synagogues, reason with Greeks in lecture halls, and preach to Roman soldiers in prison (Acts 17:1–9; 17:22–34; 19:9; Phil. 1:12–14). He knew how to be all things to all people and to use the networks of the world to further his mission (1 Cor. 9:19–23). You were not meant to go through life alone. You must identify and nurture your networks of godly relationships; people who are in your life to help you find and fulfil your Kingdom purpose. How well are you reaching out, nurturing and maximizing the significant relationships God has blessed you with?