STRENGTH!

That’s the Sydney Tower, aka Centrepoint Tower, the second tallest structure in Australia, and, apparently, the tallest observation tower south of the equator. At over 1,000 feet, it is #38 in the list of the world’s tallest towers. This one is a prominent Sydney landmark visible from all points of its various suburbs. Standing next to the harbor, it boasts a magnificent 360-degree view of its environs. If one is brave enough, one can also embark upon the Skywalk that takes you to an open-air platform 50 feet above the observation deck. (I wasn’t brave enough! The potential loss of heartbeats was a significant factor in my decision.)

Notice the lacy structure of the tower. I did wonder if it was strong enough. But it is. Remarkably strong. Vladimir Shukhov (1853–1939) conclusively demonstrated the strength of such structures, known, in technical jargon, as hyperbolic lattices (or, as he called it, azhurnaia bashnia = “lace tower”). Hyperboloid geometry makes it possible to use lattice work to support objects high off the ground. Who would have thought that, looking at the seemingly flimsy creation? These hyperboloids are said to be of greater strength than any other kind of “straight” building. The individual elements of the lattice are so structured (with a “negative Gaussian curvature”—whatever that means!) that they end up being much stronger than edifices constructed otherwise. Together the discrete parts of the lattice confer strength upon each other.

Together! Unity is strength.

So also for the community of believers in Christ, the church. Unity is strength. While, to be sure, the decision to believe and become a part of the community of Christians is an act of faith and trust that each of us has to make, the body we are placed in is just that—a body. Community.

… you are a chosen race,
a royal priesthood, a holy nation,
a people for God’s own possession ….
1 Peter 2:9

Race, priesthood, nation, people. All collectives. Community. And in commUnity, there is strength. Life is hard, no question. And messy. We need community to sustain us, strengthen us, support us. Individuality, on the other hand, is weak. No one can stand alone. There is no one without blind spots. No one gifted enough, capable enough, adequate enough. Individuality is weak; commUnity is strong.

No wonder the author of Hebrews exhorts Christians:

… let us consider
how to stimulate one another
to love and good deeds,
not forsaking
our own assembling together,
as is the habit of some,
but encouraging one another ….
Hebrews 10:24–25

In commUnity, is strength.

Indeed, those who stand by with us, and run with us, and even those who have gone on before us, strengthen us to keep going.

Therefore, since we have so great
a cloud of witnesses surrounding us,
let us also lay aside
every encumbrance and the sin
which so easily entangles us,
and let us run with endurance
the race that is set before us.
Hebrews 12:1

In commUnity is strength. Care and concern, service and sacrifice, one for one another. Indeed, “one another” echoes frequently in the Bible. Here are a few instances:

Give preference to one another
in honor.
Romans 12:10

Be kind to one another ….
Ephesians 4:32

… comfort one another ….
1 Thessalonians 4:18

… confess your sins to one another,
and pray for one another ….
James 5:16

In commUnity is strength. And that community is, of course, bonded in love.

Beloved, if God so loved us,
we also ought to love one another.
1 John 4:11

And that is no hyperbole!