“Working or dwelling in unity with others” is how A.C.E. defines the word cooperative. Notice the word “unity.” It is found in the verse for this character trait, Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! (Psalm 133:1) Unity involves OTHERS rather than one individual being a loner. It involves WORKING or DWELLING with others. A clear example of this can be seen in early agricultural work. Years ago, farmers used a single ox to pull a cultivator through the soil. They soon found that two oxen working together was more efficient. Have you ever seen a four-ox pulled cart? How about a ten-ox pulled cart? Loggers who had heavy timber to move from the forest to market used up to ten oxen. In order to get the job done, it required the oxen to combine their efforts to pull together in unity. There had to be real cooperation!
A.C.E. has added a New Testament Bible verse for the character trait cooperative. Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, or one mind. (Philippians 2:2) This adds another dimension–being LIKE-MINDED. A ten-ox pulled cart requires all of the oxen to be like-minded–to be one one mind, to be of one accord. Suppose half of them wanted to go to the right and the other half to the left. Of course, that would not work. So in whatever we do as a family, as a school, or as a church, God’s desire is that we work together in unity to be life-minded.
Cooperation is God’s will. Cooperation and like-mindedness allow us to be more effective in doing God’s will in our lives. An engine without oil runs very rough. It produces much friction and heat, and the engine soon stops altogether. A smooth-running engine will be properly lubricated to eliminate unnecessary friction and heat. So, too, as Christians we must let the Holy Spirit fill our hearts and lives. We need Him to lubricate every part with just the right amount of oil so we work together in unity. We must have the same love of God in our hearts toward one another, that together, we might bring joy to the Lord and accomplish His will and purpose for our lives.
Your Christian school must work together in unity to accomplish anything of value for the Lord. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! The pastor, administrator, supervisor, and monitor must all be cooperative, displaying unity and like-mindedness for the school to thrive.
As your leadership team displays this character trait, it will impact and carry over in the lives of your students. A cooperative character will develop servants’ hearts and create a pleasant atmosphere of peace and unity in the Learning Center. Cooperation and unity bring great joy to the Lord. The Bible also tells us, Can two walk together, except they be agreed? (Amos 3:3) Remember, TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK!
