Kingdom Partnerships

Kingdom Partnerships

Title: Right People, Right Purpose! (Kingdom Partnerships)
The focus word is ‘Kingdom Partnerships.’
Ecclesiastes 4.9 says, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labour.”
This verse is usually preached in weddings, but is an applicable principle in all relationships, even among business partners.
Declaration: God connects me with the right people for greater impact and expansion.
Points about Kingdom partnership to ponder:

1.God designed progress to include partnership:

If anyone is looking for progress, there is a partnership involved in it. God is omnipotent, all powerful and nothing is impossible for Him. Yet He is keen on partnering with mankind for His works on earth. For example, instead of my speaking to you on Morning Glory, can’t God speak directly to you? He can, but He prefers to do it in partnership with man – with each one of us!
Eccl 4.9 clearly reminds us that two are better than one. Scripture does not glorify unnecessary isolation. God does not promote it. He often advances purpose through people joined or connected together.
Gen 2.18 says, “…. It is not good for man to be alone …”
God had already made man when he said this and created a helper for him. God has been advocating partnership from the very beginning. Couples are called ‘life partners.’ We also have an eternal life partner – Our Lord Jesus Christ! And He gives us eternal life. The Holy Spirit abides in us through partnership.
Lk 10.1 – Jesus sent them out two by two. The principle of partnership – two by two; holds even today, when ministers pay home visits or go on ministry trips. Individuals get into unforeseen situations when they go alone.
Rm 12.4-5 – ‘many members, one body.’ Of course, some assignments are personal but many victories are relational. With one hand, I can pick only one item at a time. But to lift a table, I need to use both my hands (in partnership) to achieve the task which is otherwise impossible with one hand. That is why Partnership is a design, a strategy created by God to do more and better. Partnership multiplies capacity. That is why the Word says, “one man will chase a thousand and two put ten thousand to flight.”

2.Right partnerships increase productivity:

This principle is highlighted in Eccl 4.9. They have a good return for their labour.  Kingdom partnerships are not merely companionship. They are productive alignment. For example, the work of a rightly matched couple would be much. Business partnership brings better productivity over singly run businesses. There will be increase and fruitfulness. Phil 1.5 says ‘because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.’
In ministry, there are partners. We have Blessing Today Partnership program. (BPP)- Kingdom partners. There are various partnerships in ministry – covenant partners. Phil 1.5 highlights this partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 1Cor 3.9 says, “For we are co-workers in God’s service….”
Prov 27.17 – As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. It’s a form of partnership. So when strengths combine results increase. That’s why I repeatedly say, energy plus energy is synergy.
Once a musician who played the guitar very well and would sing solo. But if he is accompanied by other instrumentalists, (keyboard, flute, saxophone etc.) the melody and the very atmosphere would change. When many skilled talented people come together like partners, united, the impact would be phenomenal.
Unity is strength! Choose relationships that strengthen assignment. Form partnerships with those who would help complete/complement your calling.
 
3.Partnerships provide strength in weak moments:

When one is very low and weak, partners in a team can help that person. Eccl 4.9 reminds us that if one falls, the other can help him up. Even strong people need support.  Even leaders need encouragement. At times, when I interact with individuals chosen for God’s calling, they break down in tears confiding lack of support and encouragement. The higher you go, you feel loneliness. When you look from a mountain top, you will see many houses and resorts in the valley. But as you go higher on the mountain, the houses and people are lesser until you reach the top where there is no one. So there is a possibility of loneliness as you approach higher levels. You find loners without friends at the top. Leaders could be encouraged through networking. People in different professions (labourers, merchants, barbers) have their own associations – a platform of people in the same profession as only they would know and understand the problems they face in their association. Others won’t understand. A secretary, treasurer, a president and members in an association leads to partnership in which there is group strength. At times, the government has to accede to their demands.
Gale 6.2 says, “Carry each other's burdens ....”
In Exo 17.12, Aaron and Hur held up Moses’ hands.
Heb 10. 24-25, encourage one another. Partnership turns private struggle into a shared strength.

4.Kingdom partnership require discernment and commitment.

Not every connection is covenant. So we need to be choosy. Not every opportunity is in alignment. So we need to be selective of our opportunities.
Amos 3.3 – can two walk together unless they agree.
2Cor 6.14 – do not be mismatched in core direction.
Ruth 1.16 – where you go, I will go, says Naomi to Ruth. Healthy partnerships need shared values, mutual honour, clear purpose, consistent loyalty. These attributes are needed for a firm to progress. Or else mistrust and accusations will cloud and destroy their partnership. When two oxen are yoked together – they will move in one direction only. Unity of direction determines momentum.
Let’s pray for Kingdom Partnership.