We looked at the positive side of chains. A chain is a series of connected links which are typically made of metal. It can consist of two or more links. All the chains we looked at were made up of links of metal or thread or paper which have to be joined to other links to make an actual chain. Chains are interdependent and interlocking. Paul says “in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” (Rom 12:5) He says “Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.” (1 Cor 12:12) We might like to think of ourselves as the individual link in a chain, but we do need to be linked together to other links for us to become an effective whole. The church is important and we all have a part to play in the whole. God wants us to “consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Heb 10:24-25) He wants us to learn how to serve Him by serving each other.
Whatever kind of person we are (whether extroverts or introverts), God wants us to learn how to be links in this chain of believers He is building. We will face daily challenges and tests as we learn how to be interconnected and interlocking to other believers, but our instructions are clear: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Eph 4:29-32)
When there are problems (breaks in the chain), God tells u: “Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.” (Eph 4:26) We have to learn to love, to forgive, to bear with each other and to understand that together, we are stronger than on our own!