The Whole of the Parts

Exodus 35:1  

"And Moses gathered all the congregation of the children 

of Israel together, and said unto them, These are the 

words which the LORD hath commanded, 

that ye should do them."

    We all know that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, but it is equally true that the value of the whole is completely determined by the value of its parts. So which is more important the whole or its parts? Do we teach ourselves and our children that individual needs should be set aside for the sake of the community? Or do we stress the value of individuality and emphasize the uniqueness and specializes of each person, created in the image of God? Every individual is important and unique, an indispensable part of God’s creation. Life teaches us that both perspectives are correct. One without the other is incomplete.

    Try this: keep two pieces of paper in either pocket every day. In one pocket, the paper should read: “The world was created for me!” In the other, “I am but dust and ashes.” Together, both of these outlooks keep a person balanced. The tricky part is knowing when to pull out which piece of paper. Some situations call for individual expression, while others call to be submissive. With God’s help, we will know which situations call for which approach.

    This message teaches us that we need to spend time every day addressing both our individual needs and also the needs of the world around us. We must begin each day by asking both "what do I need today?" and also "what can I contribute to the world?" If we do so, we will end each day with the satisfaction that comes with knowing that we have both contributed to the perfection of God’s world while also taking care of ourselves, God's children.

Amen!

Ref: (HG SB)

May God Bless You

And Your Family

Minister Robert A. Lail Sr.

The Cross Life Ministry