PARTNERSHIP

Can two walk together, unless they are agreed? – Amos 3:3

Partnership is a primary basis for Progress. It takes being in agreement to enjoy advancement. Two individuals cannot walk together to any appreciable degree without Agreement. Even the Godhead demonstrated the Power of Partnership in the account of human creation: And God said; LET US make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion… (Gen. 1:26). God continues to carve partnerships with His chosen vessels. That’s why He’ll embark on nothing on earth without revealing “His secrets to His servants the prophets” (Am.3:7). For example, God partnered with Abraham in deciding the fate of sinful Sodom:  “And the LORD said, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am doing; since Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?” (Gen.18:17-18).

Successful people seldom succeed alone. Achievement and success in life hinge on our relationships – with God and fellow human beings. Unfortunately, many people take their relationships for granted, not knowing that these could spell either their lifting or sinking; their boom or doom! A wise man observed: People are lonely because they build Walls instead of Bridges. Walking with the wise multiplies wisdom; being a companion of fools leads to destruction (Pro.13:20). Your company determines your conquest! Progress in life is a collection of connections; a network of human and divine relationships. No person is an island unto himself or herself in the pursuit of destiny. Each of us is like an angel with only one wing. We can only fly embracing each other! Correct connections lead to mutually multiplied Grace and Progress.

Relationships are the fabric of living; whether in marriage, business, career or ministry. Partnership is a major platform for productivity. The Bible reveals much about relationship, association, and partnership. They can be positive or negative; constructive or corruptive, productive or destructive (1Cor. 15:33). We need to begin to appreciate, assimilate, and apply Biblical truths to bring the best out of partnerships. Only then can we become whom God designed us to be. Those who “follow peace with all men and holiness” are better positioned to enjoy productive partnerships (Heb.12:14). Romans 12: 9-19 reveals few secrets to successful partnership: “Let love be without hypocrisy…Be kindly affectionate to one another…Be of the same mind toward one another…If it be possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.”

You need to be alert to the people God sends into your life – to help you fulfill your purpose. Every partnership will affect you either positively or negatively. You are the sum-total of your relational experiences. There are four kinds of people and partnerships you will encounter in life: those who add to you; those who subtract from you; those who multiply you; and those who divide you. Those who do not increase you will inevitable decrease or diminish you. Jehoshaphat was rebuked for associating with wicked Ahab (2Chr. 19:1-2). Destructive Delilah was the ruin of great Samson (Jud. 16:4-21). Jonathan might have lived longer if he kept nearer David the anointed, than his father – Saul the rejected! The wise thing to do is to associate closely with people who are going the same direction with you: Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?