GOOD PRINCIPLES... WHOEVER AND WHEREVER YOU ARE.
I am not big on using fad phrases. When I refer to my co-workers in the gospel, my congregation, my fellow travelers in life, I do not refer to them as MY POSSE. I even have a hard time using "in house" terminology, such as, "my followers." But sometimes those terms communicate insight.
I was always a "lone ranger" (without Tonto) or "lone wolf" as a young person and as a young minister of the gospel. All I needed was God. There is truth in this concept. But as a pastor I realized that my mission was to shepherd others, equip others, lead others, empower others. I realized that a group can accomplish more than an individual. I realized my job was to manage the church of God.
God blessed me with many friends, co-laborers, church folks who accomplished great things. I focused on getting things done through other people, and we became a mighty marching army. However, if the workers are few and the enthusiasm and vision is weak or absent, then the mission of God does not move forward, the darkness is not dissipated by the soldiers of light. A leader of men needs other people, in order to accomplish his mission. I admit that having Tonto (or R2D2) is a real benefit. When the work force is thin or non existent, we may have to call up the "lone wolf" identity, but let's hope not.
There are things that I would really like to do, like to accomplish, like to begin, but, as they say, it takes two to tango. God's word says,
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
(9) Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.
(10) For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.
(11) Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?
(12) And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
It is good to have a team of players, each with his/her own skills. It is good to be able to turn quickly and deploy comrades. It is good to be a body of believers that work in concert, under spiritual direction/leadership.
God's plan is not "lone wolfing."
God gave a helpmeet to Adam.
God gave a family to Adam and Eve.
God gave gave a tribe to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
God gave the Church to Christ.
If we fail to be the individual God wants us to be, if we fail to be the army of God, the lost are left in bondage.
We need a vision for the Church, we need a vision for our church, we need a vision for ourselves in the church. We can be saved, regardless of others, we can be victorious regardless of others, we can be faithful, regardless of others. But we need others in order to accomplish the mission. I need my posse to get my job done. I need Tonto and R2D2 in order to run a rescue mission for those who are being held captive by darkness.
Yes, my help is in the Lord, but God's plan is for a body of believers working together.
