Part·ner·ship /pärtn?r'SHip/ – Noun: Collaboration with others towards a common purpose or outcome.
Partnership is a key pillar of the Seven Pillar Methodology for social entrepreneurship. The following scriptural references focus on maintaining a partnership with God first, and being a good partner with others, also.
PARTNERING WITH GOD
Does it go without saying that we are best off when we seek partnership with God, and then to seek to do God's will, as the "hands and feet" of God on Earth?
- Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain… – Psalm 127
- [Jesus said…] For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. — John 6:38
BEING A GOOD PARTNER
In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus admonishes us how to walk in this world, and the attributes he lists – particularly poverty of spirit, meekness, and peacemaking, are important to successful partnership as well:
- Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. – Matthew 5:3-10.
CHOOSING PARTNERS WISELY
Simple wisdom is sometimes the most profound: seek lofty friends, and beware of companionship of fools. This doesn't mean to shun those who are in need of assistance. Help them, and allow them to be partners in their own reclamation work, as well. But in your own endeavors, choose your partners with care:
- "He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed." – Proverbs 13:20
What are WebDefs?
WebDefs – simple definitions of key terms relating to ministry and healing arts – are a regular feature of NHM Ministrants. Offered (where applicable) in conjunction with select key scriptural passages and analysis, WebDefs can be a useful starting place for exploring a topic of interest.