I had the nice opportunity to see some of my recent work family and it reminded me of the MANY MANY work families that I have been in and then out of – for 40 years – wow –  that we are not just one person with one “crowd” but that we rotate constantly in time and place with MANY MANY different people who can be the most tight-knit people at that time and then unravel to other maybe other tight-knit groups later. We have small groups – big groups – all temporary but all important “in the moment” – at least this is my experience and I appreciate all that I have learned – the good the bad the scary – in my MANY work groups – and in my many “life groups” too.

Come to think of it – I think I have had at least 20 or 30 or ??? different times and places in my life where I could call my co-workers as more than just co-workers. Imagine if we then add in the thought of the other groups – all the way from playdates as children to current groups – church and school and clubs and neighbors – maybe even the morning bus or coffee crew – our circles are spheres can be stretched like silly putty and for a moment capturing the reflection of the group and then stretched again to a new locale. Life changes and so do we. 

I came across two old photos – maybe 1997 – nearly 30 years ago – the fading color of the photos does reflect fading memories – but at the same time just a heartbeat step back… These were 2 situations – related but different and distinct – where I can see by the same outfit that I took these photos on the same day. One was a lab home and a second lab home for a special project. Both groups shared the deepest of life’s issues and hopes. Neither time did I think this was the “forever group” – we all moved in and out and surely I was already at a dozen different group situations by then that were “work” related. And in these groups, I feel that both I was a part of them and that I moved on from them too – even if at the time I had no idea what was next…  Well, I can’t believe that I have lived so many different experiences – stepping from one group to another – always learning – expecially learning how others fit or don’t “in the mix” – and I remember my Dad saying . I am blessed to have had the experiences and friends that became family.

Then yesterday saw some co-workers whom are not longer my co-workers but still my friends – and that is the change from co-working to “checking in” and was the opportunity to see how they were – and their blood families – people whom you heard about daily then not at all. Again – such temporary connections we have even in life-long friends. Work Families are Families that Work.

But what about co-workers for the Lord? Yes – for as many changes as we get in scenery – work situations – even different seasons of the year or in our lifes – we are to be co-laborers – with each other and especially with Christ – and the scriptures remind us that it is GOD Who gives the increase of the flock – Paul told the Corinthians (1st letter 3:7-9), “neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase.  Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor. For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building.” 

This takes the performance anxiety out of the situation – really – simply we are to witness – we are to KNOW – we are to TRUST – we are to tell of our Love of the Lord – and FAITH and STRENGTH from the Lord – that is the building upon the Rock – and our faith will withstand time and the fire of day to day life.

Paul continued v10-15: “According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.

MOST CRUCIAL PART OF OUR FAITH IS THAT WE ARE IN GOD AND GOD IN US, v16-17: “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.

And Paul reminds us to LOOK TO GOD – and avoid worldly wisdom, v18-23:
Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their own craftiness”; and again, “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.” Therefore let no one boast in men. For all things are yours: whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas, or the world or life or death, or things present or things to come—all are yours. And you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s.

I appreciate knowing that God will build His Family – and we get to be a part of that – and we get to help others know Him better – know of His Strength in us and His Mission – to bring His Family Home – will always be HIS Focus… God’s Forever Family – let us work connections for the Family to build the Family. Let’s take care of our temple and His people.

Amen