Partnership

<<joint venture>>

We all have strengths and weaknesses, with no one being self-sufficient, so we need the help and encouragement of others and they need ours. A partnership is an agreement in which two or more people form a close team that co-operates to advance mutual interests with increased effectiveness. It is not necessarily a 50/50 deal but rather a 'lets do this together' collaboration. To be successful a partnership requires structure, open communication and accountability with mutual benefits as each ‘buys’ into the joint goal with a united approach. Two people must be in agreement if they are to walk successfully together (Amos 3:3). In a joint effort team up with those of like passions and desires to see a greater impact for His Kingdom than if we all operated independently (Lev 26:8).

Partnership is a biblical concept – we are labourers together with God in the gospel (1 Cor 3:9; 2 Cor 8:23; Phil 1:5; 1 Thes 3:2). “The Lord worked with them” (Mk 16:20). God uses us and we need Him; it is the Lord’s power that brings about the victory, we are only

Am I fully teamed up with the Lord?

‘vessels’ through which He wants to work (Josh 23:10; Jdg 7:2; Zech 4:6). The meagre lunch that was given was the resource Jesus utilized to feed a multitude, and with a surplus left over (Jn 6:7-13). As we co-operate and supply what we are able, God blesses and multiplies for His glory. We are
to represent Jesus to a lost world, using His name to do His restoration work in broken, hurting humanity (Mt 28:19,20; Mk 16:17,18; Jn 14:12). In our bodies as each part functions, fulfilling its responsibilities, the whole will function properly, so it is in the church (1 Cor 12:12-28). Am I contributing to the best of my ability? My primary concern is ensuring I do my part well rather than nagging the other person to do theirs.

While it is beneficial to work together, the Bible’s teaching, “Do not be unequally teamed together” – that is, as a Christian with a non-Christian – applies especially in marriage, yet also to business ventures as there will be differing motivations, resulting in a compromise of goals and standards (Josh 23:12,13; Eccl 4:9-12; 1 Cor 6:15-17; 2 Cor 6:14-18). If after the formation of the partnership one party becomes a believer, they should pray for the other person yet remain together and not separate (1 Cor 7:12-16).

Increasingly many people have partners, indicating a cohabiting or living together in a sexual relationship without being legally married. These live-in situations are sexually immoral and condemned in Scripture (Gal 5:19; Eph 5:3; 1 Thes 4:3; Heb 13:4).