Building in Harmony.

When Jesus lived as the Son of Man on earth, He was a carpenter who built things. It’s amazing to think how the same One who designed and built the whole universe also came to our little world to build! He who had been the exalted commander in heaven laid aside His kingly crown to live and labor among us. He started His career on earth by working together with Joseph in the carpenter’s shop. There He gave a simple example to us of how to cooperate cheerfully with others to achieve something good.

In order for any project to succeed, the people working on it must be willing to help each other and work together. Remember what happened at the tower of Babel: When the languages were confused, those laying the brick at the top could no longer work with those at the base. Men were posted at different points, each to receive and report to the next below him the orders for needed material, or other directions regarding the work. But the messages got mixed up, so the wrong materials were sent. Confusion and dismay followed. All the work came to a stop; there was no more harmony or cooperation. The builders became angry and blamed each other. The whole plan fell apart in strife and bloodshed. The project ended up a disaster! That is where the name “Babylon” comes from—it means “confusion.”

The opposite is found among the children of God. We are called to leave the Babylon of this world. We are called to cooperate in obeying God, not in rebelling to do our own will and way. When the church comes together for worship or business, we work together. Sweet harmony and order are to prevail. Each person has his or her assigned task or duty. If we do not keep in mind what we are trying to accomplish, and who is to do what, the result will be off balance—and confusion will result.

That is why the church holds big worldwide meetings every four years. There we can remind ourselves of the wonderful faith we share and the truths we believe. We can decide the plans we have to promote the upholding and spreading of the everlasting gospel in this earth. We can figure out in a fair and intelligent way who should do what, and where they should do it. Then the project that Christ has assigned to us—His great commission of going to all the world to preach the gospel to every creature—will bring glory and honor to His name. And we will have the delightful joy of getting to help!

The apostle Paul explains: “Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. . . . I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:8–11).