The Value of Interdependence
One of the most beautiful pictures the Bible paints, pertains to the relationship Christians have to one another. It appears in different ways, depending on where you are reading in the New Testament.
Perhaps the most colorful illustration is that of a body and its many parts. It tells that we are all interdependent, that we belong together, and are all members of one another.
Although it is very easy for anyone to understand this issue from the spiritual standpoint, it is often a bit hard to practice that reality here on earth. Yet, not only in the exercise of one’s faith, but in the living of our daily lives in any situation, we may benefit from what some persons may offer us, just as others can also profit from what we may be ready and willing to impart to them.
It is very sad when pride, arrogance, impatience, or timidity keeps one from seeking support from others. Some persons fear to ask for anything, wrongfully assuming that it makes them inferior; they prefer to give the appearance of having it all, or of knowing it all, about everything.
When people come to me for counsel on any matter I’m capable of helping, I begin the session by praising them for seeking assistance instead of acting on their own impulses, or depending solely on their own insights. It is always a sign of strength instead of a demonstration of weakness when people are ready to solicit the aid of others, when these others can indeed provide it!
I never forget an episodo of the TV program “Candid Camera,” viewed close to fifty years ago. It depicted people at a Diner’s counter, drinking their morning coffee. To see how people would act, the program directors had glued cups to their saucers. Yet, out of several persons sipping their coffee in that strange manner, perhaps only about two were bold enough to inquire about that strange situation, or to ask for another cup, detached from its saucer. All others sought no exchange of utensils, even if inconvenienced by that experience. Some people thought it was a new trend, one got disgusted and didn’t finish his drink, a few used their spoons to imbibe the content from the entire cup, while still others tried in vain to remove the cup from the saucer. But only two, at most, ever asked for an explanation!
We can avoid unnecessary headaches, we can become better informed, we can learn many new things, if we simply ask those whom God has placed around us to aid us in a variety of situations and circumstances. There should be no fear of being made debtors to others on any issue; neither is our intelligence or power diminished when we raise a question or seek a favor from anyone, whomever she or he maybe!
Even though our ultimate aid comes from above, may we never miss anything that God may be sending our way through others, due to our sense of superiority, personal arrogance, or any such illegitimate feeling. Let us also, likewise, be available to others by responding to their needs, or in initiating what may enrich their lives or promote their wellbeing!
